About a Japanese Tea Instructor
A Japanese Tea Instructor（Nihoncha Instructor）is an intermediate-level certification that recognizes individuals with specialized knowledge and skills related to Japanese tea, including its types, origins, and health benefits. The certification is awarded by the NPO Japan Tea Instructor Association, which was established in 2002 with the goal of promoting Japanese tea, preserving Japanese tea culture, and creating new aspects of tea culture. The association also offers beginner-level certification as a Japanese Tea Adviser and advanced-level certification as a Japanese Tea Master.
Recommended Candidates for Certification
Japanese Tea Instructor certification is recommended for individuals who fit the following criteria:
– Individuals with a high interest in Japanese tea.
– Professionals in the Japanese tea industry.
– Those interested in opening Japanese tea cafes or businesses.
– People who want to engage in educational activities related to Japanese tea.
– Individuals passionate about food education.
– Anyone interested in Japanese culture and aesthetics.
Activities of a Japanese Tea Instructor
With a Japanese Tea Instructor certification, you can engage in various activities, including:
– Teaching at cultural schools.
– Conducting “how to make tea” classes in schools.
– Lecturing at vocational schools, junior colleges, and universities.
– Hosting Japanese tea seminars and cultural exchange events abroad.
– Managing Japanese tea cafes.
– Guiding tea-related events.
– Making media appearances and handling media interviews.
– Pursuing careers in the tea industry.
– Conducting employee education and training at tea-related companies.
Japanese Tea Instructor Exam Overview
The examination consists of two parts: the first-stage written examination and the second-stage practical examination.
Examination Dates: First stage: Early November, Second stage: Early February
Application Period: September 1st to September 30th
Eligibility: Applicants must be at least 20 years old (as of April 1st of the following year).
Examination Format:
First stage: Written examination (multiple-choice questions on a mark sheet)Exam Fields: History of tea, tea industry overview, tea cultivation, tea production methods, tea utilization, tea chemistry, tea health science, tea quality inspection and assessment, tea brewing methods, instruction techniques.
Second stage: Practical examination
Exam Content: Tea assessment and instruction techniques.
Examination Locations: Sapporo, Tokyo, Shizuoka, Nagoya, Kyoto, Fukuoka, Kagoshima (planned).
Examination Fees: ¥22,000 (including tax) for regular candidates, ¥11,000 (including tax) for first-stage exemption candidate
Preparation for Japanese Tea Instructor Certification
To prepare for the Japanese Tea Instructor certification, there is a correspondence course available called the “Japanese Tea Instructor Correspondence Course.” This course provides textbooks, video materials, and a tea assessment set delivered to your home, allowing you to study from home. Progress can be checked through report submissions via correspondence. Upon meeting the completion criteria, you can apply for the beginner-level certification, “Japanese Tea Adviser.” The course is designed for comprehensive and systematic learning about Japanese tea, including specialized knowledge, skills, and instructional techniques.
Course Enrollment Period: April 1st to late September
Course Fee: ¥77,000 (including tax)
Japanese Tea Instructor Certification Pass Rate
According to the official website of the Japan Tea Instructor Association, the final pass rate for the Japanese Tea Instructor certification exam is approximately 35%.
For additional information about the application process and other details regarding the Japanese Tea Instructor certification, please visit the official website: https://www.nihoncha-inst.com
