Farmers have begun harvesting the first green tea leaves of the year in the central Japanese prefecture of Shizuoka.

Harvesting of the Kondo-wase variety began on Wednesday in Shizuoka City’s Suruga Ward, about 10 days earlier than for other types. The leaves are cultivated on slopes at an elevation of around 150 meters.

About 30 people carefully hand-picked the leaves at a plantation managed by farmer Matsukawa Yohei.

Matsukawa said the warm weather since late March has helped to produce high-quality leaves this year. He also said the Kondo-wase variety has a distinct sweet aroma, and is very popular with women and children.

A woman in her 80s from Shizuoka City who helped to pick the leaves said they are soft and look tasty.

Japan’s agriculture ministry says Kagoshima Prefecture overtook Shizuoka Prefecture last year to become the country’s leading producer of aracha, or unrefined tea.

Matsukawa said Shizuoka still grows lots of excellent tea that can rival the products from Kagoshima. He hopes more people will enjoy Shizuoka tea, especially the first leaves of this season.