On November 22, the 50th anniversary of the founding of the company was held at Hirosaki's Japanese tea specialty store "Gyokuundou" (Tamachi, Hirosaki, TEL 0172-32-6884).

The same store that handles Japanese tea, teapot, and tea utensils. It was founded in 1968 by the current president, Takuya Shibuya's father, Ryuichi. According to Mr. Shibuya, "There were many customers who were drinking tea while looking at the antique shop where my grandfather was running, so my grandmother advised me to sell tea leaves. Started selling.”

Founded in Sasamori Town, moved to Miyazono in 1975. In 1993 (Heisei 5), the apple warehouse was renovated as a gallery, a store was built in front of the warehouse, and it was relocated for the second time. There were times when I opened a tea utensil specialty store and a coffee shop.

Shibuya had been living surrounded by Japanese tea since he was born, so he felt that he naturally inherited his family business. In 2008, at the milestone of the 40th anniversary of the company's founding, he continued the business as the second president. “We had an anniversary event in the past, and we even offered visitors a rickshaw ride around the city,” says Shibuya.

The 50th anniversary was last year, but according to Mr. Shibuya, he went to help the Japanese tea shops that are closing one after another in the Tsugaru area centered around Hirosaki. "In recent years, not only in the Japanese tea industry, but especially in rural areas, the business has been closed due to lack of successors. If there is a way for the same business to succeed, it would be okay. Is declining."

During the founding festival, Japanese tea leaves, including Ichibancha, will be sold at a special price, and at the gallery, a handicraft exhibition by 15 artists will be held and apples and vegetables will be sold directly. Mr. Shibuya said, "You can also propose new Japanese tea, such as health-conscious Japanese tea and how to drink it in a bottle. If you can make a 50-year milestone event with you," he said.

Business hours are from 9:00 to 18:00. Until November 24th.