Our Story

Dear cherished customers,

I am reaching out with a heart full of gratitude and a story that I hold very dear. My name is Kiyomi Koike, and I am the founder of Yu Tea Co., a humble family venture that found its roots in rural Oregon in 2004. This journey began from a deeply personal chapter of my life, one marked by fear, uncertainty, but ultimately, hope and rejuvenation. It all started back in 2001, just three months after welcoming our second child into the world, when my husband, Bill, was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. The prognosis was daunting, with only a 50% chance of survival.

My emotional turmoil was compounded when my mother, who had been withholding news so as not to burden me during my pregnancy, revealed that my father was also battling cancer, with only a few months left to live. The thought of losing the two most important men in my life was unbearable. During this dark time, I witnessed the purest form of empathy from our then nearly 3-year-old son.

As he saw me overwhelmed with despair, he came to my side, offering comfort with his gentle touch and soothing words, "It's OK, Mommy; it's OK." It was at that moment I knew I had to muster the strength to move forward, for my family. In a quest to find solace and hope, I turned to a familiar comfort from my upbringing in Japan—green tea. I urged Bill to drink 10 cups of freshly brewed green tea daily, a practice well-regarded in Japan for its health benefits. Despite his initial reluctance and struggle with the taste, we were determined to find a better way to incorporate green tea into our lives. This determination led to the discovery and creation of Yu's signature product, Organic Sencha Green Tea Powder.

Organic Sencha Green Tea Powder was a revelation for us. It allowed Bill to consume the entire tea leaf in a fine powder form, maximizing the intake of healthful antioxidants without the bitterness associated with brewed tea. This product was not only a turning point in Bill's health journey but also the catalyst for Yu Tea. Over the years, as Bill embraced Sencha and we witnessed his remarkable recovery, my passion for sharing the wonders of green tea grew. I embarked on extensive research, learning about the superior antioxidant properties of Sencha powder and its benefits, especially for those facing health challenges like Bill. Our journey has been nothing short of miraculous. Bill, who once faced a grim prognosis, has been cancer-free for over 19 years. This experience has taught us about the power of taking control of one's health and the remarkable benefits of green tea. It has also inspired me to become a certified wellness coach, furthering my commitment to sharing this knowledge and supporting others on their wellness journeys. To you, our valued customers, I extend an invitation to explore the transformative power of green tea. What began as a desperate search for hope in the face of adversity has blossomed into Yu Tea Co., a testament to the strength, resilience, and healing that comes from nature. Let us share with you not just a product, but a piece of our hearts and our story. Thank you for allowing me to share this journey with you. Together, let's embrace the fuller, healthier life that green tea can offer.

Warmest regards,