Pre-Orders Start for 'Buccha,' a Sustainable Green Tea Exclusively for Temples ― TERA Tech Inc. Proposes a "Cycle of Connection" Model to Redefine the Social Value of Temples ―

TERA Tech Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Atsushi Mori), a company aiming to revitalize local communities by solving problems faced by temples, announced on November 13 that it has begun accepting pre-orders for "Buccha," a sustainable green tea beverage that allows consumers to "participate in conserving the local community and tea fields just by drinking it."

"Buccha" was developed as a "new form of circulation" connecting temples and the community, and it will be sold exclusively at temples nationwide. There are reportedly no plans for a general public release.

■ What is "Buccha," the "Tea that Forges Connections"?

"Buccha" is a green tea with a mild flavor, made from JAS-certified organic domestic tea leaves. It uses environmentally friendly, recyclable paper cartons (125ml).

Its main feature is that it "visualizes" the environmental contribution of each bottle by calculating the CO₂ absorbed by the tea fields. A portion of the sales is returned to the producers, creating a system that contributes to the conservation of tea fields and surrounding satoyama landscapes.

Atsushi Mori, the company's CEO, commented, "'Buccha' is not just a beverage; it's a 'tea that forges connections.' We hope it will become a bridge linking the tea fields protected for generations, local temples, and modern-day consumers."

■ Use in Temples and New Programs

In a preliminary survey conducted by the company, 72% of temples expressed intent to use it "for hospitality for worshippers" and 72% "for distribution at rites and events."

Temples planning to introduce Buccha have expressed their support, citing sustainability aspects. Examples include Hōrin-ji Temple in Gunma Prefecture, which plans to use it as a welcome drink for its temple lodging (shukubo), and Fukuō-ji Temple in Okayama Prefecture, which will use it for Buddhist services.

Coinciding with the launch, TERA Tech Inc. announced pre-order benefits, a program to feature temples that purchase "Buccha" on its official website as "Environment & Community Contributing Temples," and the expansion of the "Community Tea Field Support Program," a collaboration between temples and corporations.

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Pre-Orders Start for 'Buccha,' a Sustainable Green Tea Exclusively for Temples ― TERA Tech Inc. Proposes a "Cycle of Connection" Model to Redefine the Social Value of Temples ―

■ What is "Buccha," the "Tea that Forges Connections"?

■ Use in Temples and New Programs

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