In 1888, Sugita Aijiro founded Sugita Shoten, the precursor to the "Aiya" brand (now Saijoen), originally trading in tea and indigo balls. Since the early Meiji era, the focus on high-quality Nishio tea has established a foundation for tencha, the main ingredient for matcha.

With over 130 years of heritage, Saijoen is dedicated to producing the finest matcha. From cultivating premium tencha in sandy soil to milling it with traditional granite mills, every step reflects their commitment to quality.