Months after Stephen Smith Teamaker expanded in the Central Eastside Industrial District, the Portland-based company is expanding abroad with a flagship store in Tokyo that opened Friday.

The new store on the fourth floor of the Shibuya Scramble Square spans almost 2,000 square feet and features the company's full line of more than 30 tea blends, as well as tea flights and food, Smith Teamaker spokesperson Lila Martin DeBenedetti said in an email.

The company has partnered with Toyo Beverage to distribute their products in Japan since 2009 and has had pop-up shops in Tokyo since 2022, but the new store is Smith Teamaker's first permanent location in the country.

"We could not be more thrilled to launch a permanent flagship store in one of the most vibrant cities in the world," said Darren Marshall, CEO of Smith Teamaker. "The reception to our brand in Japan over the years has been incredible, and we are proud to partner with Toyo Beverage as our exclusive distributor in Japan as we bring the full Smith experience to residents and visitors in Tokyo."

To mark the occasion, Stephen Smith also debuted Tokyo Twilight, the first tea in its new "City Series," which features teas inspired by different cities across the globe. Tokyo Twilight features sencha green tea, green rooibos, cracked juniper, tulsi, lavender and lemon peel. It is also available at the Portland tasting room.

-- Tatum Todd is a breaking news reporter who covers public safety, crime and community news. Reach them at [email protected] or 503-221-4313.