Celebrate Hachijyu-Hachiya (88th Night)
May 2nd in 2023, is “hachijyu-hachiya”, a holiday which marks the 88th night since the beginning of spring called Risshun (i.e., February 2nd or 3rd) according to the Japanese lunar calendar. Traditionally...
All About Japanese Tea Culture
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A Japanese Folktale - "Uji Tea of the West" (Nishiuji-no-Cha) by Kyota Ko
Written by Kyota Ko, author of Folk Tales of Japan: 28 Japanese folk tales with cultural commentary. Some of the finest tea in Japan has come from Uji ever since farmers...
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Full Moon Harvest Wha-ha-ha Three Year Bancha
Greetings! It’s starting to feel more like spring in Japan with the beautiful blooms on ume (plum), cherry, chinese magnolia trees, and the hopeful call of the nightingale. What new scents, sprouts...
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History of Hojicha, One of Japan's Favorite Teas
Today, we touch on the history of hojicha, which in comparison to the other Japanese teas out there, is relatively new. Hojicha making started in the 1920’s, during Japan’s early...
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A Japanese Proverb with Roots in the Tea Ceremony
A belated happy new year to you! I hope 2023 has started off kindly for you. Today, January 20th in Japan marks Daikan (大寒；daikan), the season of the big cold...
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Former Soccer Player Hidetoshi Nakata promotes Japanese Tea
Long before my passion for tea blossomed, there was my passion for the beautiful game, fútbol (soccer). Apparently I’ve been missing playing soccer recently as I’ve found myself drawn to...
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The Leafies Awards 2022 acknowledges Japanese Tea Farmers
For those of you who are up to date with Japanese tea anniversaries, happy Japanese tea day (Nihon-cha no hi)! As a way to celebrate and bring recognition to some...
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Japan's One and Only Matcha Latte Art Competition
Here’s some exciting tea news from the motherland (Japan)! Earlier this month, the world’s only Matcha Latte Art Competition was held in Tokyo’s famous Harajuku district, at a community cafe-style...
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History behind the Japanese side-handled kyusu
If you’re familiar with the Japanese teapot “kyusu”, you’ve probably noticed it has its’ handle to the side at a 90 degree angle instead of to the back like most...
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Tea Ceremony Politics
The history of the Japanese tea ceremony (Chado or Chanoyu) is too often told without the sociopolitical context that was essential to its popularity as it took hold in the...
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Baisao: The First Tea Master
Meet the Edo Period nomadic monk who helped popularize tea steeping in Japan.
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Japanese Tea and Cheese Pairings
Yes, we have long been aware that wine and cheese can have a splendid marriage together but have you ever explored pairing different Japanese teas with cheese? The thought of...
