The story of tea began in ancient CHINA over 5,000 years ago. According to legend, SHEN NUNG, all drinking water be boiled as a hygienic precaution. One summer day, some dried leaves from the near by bush fell into the boiling water and a brown liquid was infused into the water.

As a scientist, the Emperor was interested in the new liquid, drank some and found it very refreshing. And so, according to the legend, TEA was created.
 
The first tea seeds were brought to Japan, by the returning Buddhist Priest, YEI SEI, who had seen the value of tea in China in enhancing religious mediation. As a result, he is known as the ˜Father of Tea" in Japan.