On a recent trip to Japan to visit the Otsukas, they introduced us to this Asanoka Sencha. Kohei, our host, shared with us the current production of this lighter steamed Sencha, and immediately we were hooked. An early season Sencha coming from eastern Kyushu, the sweet tropical fruit aromas dance delicately above a mellow-bodied cup. The brew is well-balanced umami, with a faint trace of astringency to give it confidence.