A traditional tea manufacturer from Ureshino City, Saga Prefecture, is turning heads with an unconventional product that challenges the age-old assumption that coffee is the natural companion to bread.
Aikawa Seichaho, a tea company founded in 1897, will showcase its signature product "Tea That Pairs with Bread" alongside other innovative tea offerings at the 101st Tokyo International Gift Show Spring 2026, running from February 4 to 6, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight.
A New Approach to Daily Tea
The company's participation stems from a core belief that tea serves not just to quench physical thirst, but also to satisfy the spirit. In an era where manufacturing technology allows for identical green tea year-round, Aikawa Seichaho emphasizes teas that mature with the changing seasons, offering flavors and enjoyment aligned with nature's rhythms.
"We want to deliver tea that embodies the original umami, astringency, aroma, and clean aftertaste, while adapting to modern lifestyles as a new form of 'daily tea,'" explains representative Gentaro Aikawa.
The Star Product: Tea That Pairs with Bread
The exhibition's centerpiece is "Tea That Pairs with Bread," an original blend that combines three types of tea from Ureshino, Saga: smooth black tea, astringent green tea, and aromatic hojicha (roasted green tea). This playful yet sophisticated product represents the company's technical expertise and innovative spirit.
Customizable Brewing for Different Breads
What makes this tea unique is its versatility through brewing time. The former chef turned tea master has developed a pairing system that lets drinkers customize their cup to match different types of bread:
- 1 minute steep: Light, roasted hojicha flavor pairs well with plain bread
- 2 minutes steep: Balanced profile that complements any bread
- 3 to 5 minutes steep: Deeper green tea and black tea notes emerge, ideal for croissants and buttery pastries
The tea offers aromatic richness and depth that matches butter-infused breads while maintaining a clean, refreshing finish. It aims to bring a fresh perspective to morning tables across Japan.
Other Featured Products
The booth will also present "Onkochisin Ureshino Black Tea," a delicately flavored domestic black tea that represents the company's commitment to preserving traditional tea-making methods while creating products suited to contemporary lifestyles.
Event Details
Tokyo International Gift Show Spring 2026
- Dates: February 4 to 6, 2026 (Wednesday to Friday)
- Hours: 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (5:00 PM on final day)
- Location: Tokyo Big Sight (West Exhibition Hall)
- Exhibition Area: 19th LIFE×DESIGN "ACTIVE DESIGN×CRAFT"
- Booth Number: West Hall 1F, West 1-T09-02
For more information about Aikawa Seichaho and their products, visit their official website at https://www.aikawaseichaho.com/
