Technology
Development of Tea Production Technology using Camellia Leaves & Creation of a Suitable Work Environment for People with Disabilities
Banzai Factory is based in Iwate Prefecture, an area heavily impacted by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Among the many trees damaged by the tsunami, camellia trees, known for their deep root systems, proved to be highly resilient to disasters and largely survived unscathed.
Aiming to utilize local resources and create new industries, the company has researched and developed drying, roasting, and cutting techniques for producing camellia tea. The production process is carried out by individuals affected by the disaster
Strength
Camellia Tea from Sanriku: A sweet taste without sugar, potentially beneficial for Developing Countries facing a rise in Diabetes
- Zero calories, caffeine-free, naturally sweet without sugar, and cultivated without pesticides.
- Said to help regulate blood sugar levels and cholesterol, contributing to the prevention of lifestyle-related diseases
Production Process Technology Enabling People with Disabilities to Take on Key Roles
- Enabling Careful, Handcrafted Production by Assigning Tasks Tailored to Each Individual's Abilities
Expertise in Utilizing Existing Local Resources to Create New Industries
Use Case
- Sales of Camellia Tea in regions with rising diabetes rates
- Local Cultivation and Product Development of Camellia Trees in areas where they grow
- Production of New Teas from the leaves of Indigenous Camellia Trees in various countries
Business Model Examples
This section shows examples of companies using this technology for its businesses. The sections is intened for illustrating how the technology is used in the real world as food for thoughs for the applicants. Applicants doesn't necessarily follow the exact business model when developing their own business ideas.
Banzai Factory Co. Ltd.
Business Contents
For the production of camellia tea, Banzai Factory outsources initial processes, including leaf harvesting, to employment support facilities for people with disabilities in Iwate and Miyagi Prefectures. These facilities handle tasks such as harvesting, cutting, manual washing, and wax removal from the camellia leaves. Banzai Factory then purchases the processed leaves at a fair price and takes over the secondary processing and commercialization.
In addition to camellia tea, Banzai Factory focuses on creating products that utilize local resources. This includes producing snacks and seasonings made from the hard stems of wakame seaweed, which were traditionally discarded
Business Moodel
Social Issues
- Unused resources scattered throughout the region
– Camellia leaves are tough, and their waxy surface inhibits fermentation, making tea production challenging: Even major manufacturers have abandoned mass production
– Wakame seaweed stems are hard and are often discarded without being utilized - Tasks vary depending on the severity of disabilities
Solution
- Manufacturing and selling products utilizing local resources
– Achieving handcrafted processing through employment of people with disabilities - Task division based on Individual abilities, even for those with disabilities
Value
- Creation of New Industries: Transforming discarded or underutilized materials into marketable products
- Employment Support for People with Disabilities: Providing year-round job opportunities for individuals with disabilities
– Camellia trees are evergreen and produce minimal fallen leaves, ensuring a stable resource supply
Message
Message
Would you like to join us in driving social innovation?!!
Desired Candidate Profile
We are looking for individuals who can conduct market research in their home country, analyze the current state of the tea industry, or explore opportunities for expansion into high-end resort facilities. We also welcome anyone who is eager to take on these challenges or contribute in any way they can
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