The Philosophy of Baisaō-売茶翁

At 813, we are inspired by Baisaō (the Old Tea Seller), an 18th century monk who revolutionized the way tea was shared in Japan.
At a time when tea was confined to the elite, Baisaō brought it back to the streets brewing simple bowls of tea in the open air, offering them to ordinary people, scholars, and travelers alike.

For Baisaō, tea was never just a drink. It was a way to restore simplicity, to connect hearts, and to bring moments of peace into daily life.

He taught that the true value of tea lies not in ceremony or luxury, but in its ability to be shared with anyone, anywhere.

813 embraces this philosophy.

By sourcing directly from tea farmers in Kagoshima and offering matcha at a fair price, we follow Baisaō’s vision:
to make the highest quality tea part of everyday life  accessible, genuine, and deeply human.

Founder 

813 was founded by Chika, a Japanese tea importer from Japan now based in Europe.
Her greatest pride lies in the direct, personal relationships with tea farmers in Japan connections built on trust, respect, and a shared passion for quality.

Through 813, hopes to bring authentic Japanese tea closer to people’s everyday lives, just as she has experienced it herself: a source of comfort, energy, and connection.