A Gentle Spring Breeze: New 'Genmaicha 88 Sakura' Released. Sake Brewery Yasufuku Matashiro Shoten Launches Seasonal Flavor Series Using Yamada Nishiki Sake Rice.

On Friday, April 3, 2026, Yasufuku Matashiro Shoten released 'Genmaicha 88 Sakura,' the first in a new series of flavored teas from its non-alcoholic brand 'Genmaicha 88,' which features the famous Yamada Nishiki sake rice. This tea is designed not only to accompany meals but also to be enjoyed before, after, or between meals, and is available at direct stores and online shops.

This blend offers a refreshing aroma of cherry leaves layered with the light sweetness of stem tea (Kuki-cha) and the savory umami of Yamada Nishiki rice. Like a gentle spring breeze, the subtle presence of spring brings a light drinking experience and a relaxed mood.

### Enjoying Spring with Sakura Genmaicha from 'Genmaicha 88' This tea offers a culinary experience of layering seasons through a beverage, much like tasting seasonal ingredients. It is a genmaicha to enjoy the 'feeling of spring,' either by adding a seasonal scent to your meal or by quietly accompanying your moments before or after eating.

- **Flavored Genmaicha blending stem tea, roasted Yamada Nishiki rice, and cherry leaves.** - **Fragrance-free with the natural, refreshing scent of pesticide-free cherry leaves.** - **Well-balanced for meals, harmonizing the soft sweetness of stem tea with the umami of Yamada Nishiki.** - **Rich in 'Theanine,' a relaxation-inducing component found in stem tea.** - **Low caffeine, making it easy to drink at any time.** - **Convenient tetra-shaped tea bags for easy brewing in mugs.**

### Recommended Scenes - **With Spring Cuisine:** As a non-alcoholic seasonal drink that complements dishes made with spring ingredients. - **When You Want a Spring Mood:** To feel the arrival of spring like cherry blossoms dancing in the wind. - **For a Refreshing Change of Pace:** As a refreshing alternative to sencha or hojicha to lift your spirits. - **For Relaxation:** A warm cup with a soft flavor and gentle aroma to soothe the heart. - **As a Small Gift:** For new life greetings, small tokens of gratitude, or seasonal gifts.

### Enjoy Spring Mood Anytime, All Year Round 'Genmaicha 88 Sakura' allows you to enjoy a relaxing mood, like a serene spring day, at any time of the year. It provides a refreshing drinking experience with a light, lingering cherry blossom finish that does not interfere with the taste of food.

In spring, it can be paired with seasonal dishes or served after a meal as a finishing tea, reminiscent of 'Sakura Mochi.' In warmer weather, it can also be enjoyed as a refreshing iced tea.

### Base of Stem Tea for Deep Relaxation Stem tea (Kuki-cha), made from the stems of the tea plant, has low bitterness and astringency but is rich in umami and sweetness. Compared to regular tea leaves, it contains less stimulating caffeine and more theanine, which is known for its relaxing effects.

The stem tea used is deep-steamed tea from the Fuki Tea Agricultural Cooperative in Shizuoka Prefecture. Among many varieties tested nationwide, it had the best compatibility with cherry leaves, creating a perfect balance that enhances each other's aroma and flavor.

### Natural Scent from Pesticide-Free Oshima Cherry Leaves The cherry leaves are 'Oshima Cherry' grown without pesticides in Matsuzaki Town, Shizuoka Prefecture. These leaves contain a higher amount of coumarin, the characteristic fragrance component of cherry blossoms, compared to other varieties. High-quality young leaves are carefully picked one by one between early May and late August.

### Convenient 5-Bag Pouches for Gifting The product comes in small pouches containing five tea bags, making it an easy gift for celebrations like 'Sakura Saku' (passing exams), Mother's Day, or simply for a friend who needs a break. Its low caffeine content makes it suitable for women looking to reduce caffeine intake or those who are breastfeeding.

### Product Overview - **Product Name:** Genmaicha 88 Sakura (Tea bags for 200ml) - **Release Date:** April 3, 2026 - **Content:** 3g x 5 tea bags - **Ingredients:** Stem tea (Shizuoka), Organic roasted rice (Hyogo), Cherry leaves (Shizuoka) - **Price:** 870 JPY (including tax) - **Sales Period:** Year-round - **Sales Locations:** Direct store '11th Matashiro' (Kobe), Online shop 'Genmaicha 88 STORE', and '11th Matashiro' online shop.