Shizuoka
The Shizuoka Prefectural Government has intensified efforts to regain its position as Japan's leading green tea producer after losing the top spot to Kagoshima Prefecture. Capitalizing on the global boom in matcha-powdered green tea, the region is shifting production from sencha, Japan's most commonly consumed green tea, to tencha, the raw leaves used for matcha, while also expanding organic tea cultivation. Long bolstered by its strong brand, Shizuoka now confronts several challenges in rebuilding its standing in the tea market.
Reported by AI
Shizuoka prefectural police have arrested three 17-year-old boys from Kanagawa Prefecture on suspicion of robbing an elderly couple of about ¥10 million in their home, which also serves as their construction company headquarters, on December 22. The suspects are believed to be linked to 'tokuryū,' anonymous and fluid criminal groups organized via social media.