On Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, 2024, the “Nihoncha(Japanese Tea) Collection 2024 will be held in Shinjuku, Tokyo. This event will gather young tea farmers, Japanese tea specialists, and other key players in the tea industry to showcase the appeal of Japanese tea and tea culture.
With over a thousand years of history, Japan’s tea industry and tea ceremony culture have been nurtured into what they are today. At “Nihoncha Collection 2024,” visitors will be able to experience the fascinating fusion of the tea industry and tea ceremony. From tea tasting sessions to tea ceremony experiences, the event offers a variety of programs where participants can enjoy and learn about the diverse aspects of Japanese tea in just one day. There will also be seminars on tea, workshops on matcha, and even a special seminar on kimono, highlighting the close relationship between tea culture and traditional Japanese clothing.
Event Programs:
1. Tea Tasting
The main attraction, the “Tea Tasting” will feature 15 tea producers and specialty tea shops from across Japan, including Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Osaka, Shizuoka, Saitama, and Ibaraki. Visitors can enjoy tasting a wide range of teas, from sencha and tamaryokucha to kamairicha and Japanese black tea, all made with different production methods and tea varieties. Many of the award-winning teas from contests like the “Nihoncha Award” and the “Zenkoku Cha hinpyokai(All japan tea contest）will also be available.
Participating Vendors:
– Arimura Seicha (Kagoshima)
– Taniiwa Chaho (Miyazaki)
– Chayu (Nagasaki)
– Ureshino Nanbu Kamairicha Kumiai (Saga)
– Chasetsusen Tada Seicha (Osaka)
– Isashi En (Aichi)
– Nippon Chachacha (Shizuoka)
– Takanashi Chaen (Kanagawa)
– Cha Maruyamaen (Tokyo)
– MYE Blend Tea Atelier (Tokyo)
– Ochato Nori Seifuen (Tokyo)
– Chaho Osakaya (Tokyo)
– Shinkoju (Saitama)
– Ishiyama Seicha Factory (Ibaraki)
– Chazakka (Tokyo)
– Conche Chocolate Shop (Shizuoka)
2. Tea Ceremony Experience
The Dai Nihon Chado Gakkai will host two types of tea ceremony experiences. Relax in a traditional tatami room and immerse yourself in the profound world of the tea ceremony.
– Experience A: “Enjoy Matcha in a Tatami Room”
– Experience B: “Learning Elegant Kimono Etiquette through Tea Ceremony”
3. Japanese Tea Seminars
Three seminars on Japanese tea will be offered, focusing on tea brewing techniques and the beauty benefits of Japanese tea. These will be led by Japanese tea instructors Kaori Sasaki and Natsuko Hayashi.
– Seminar A: “Japanese Tea Brewing Techniques” with Kaori Sasaki
– Seminar B: “Well-being with Tea! The Beauty Benefits of Japanese Tea” with Natsuko Hayashi
– Seminar C: “How to Brew Tea to Maximize Its Beauty Components” with Natsuko Hayashi
4. Kimono Seminar
A kimono seminar by Kazue Takahashi, the head of the Kimono Shop “Takahashi Kimono Kobo” from Kesennuma City, Miyagi Prefecture. Learn about kimono fabrics and maintenance techniques in this rare opportunity to hear from a kimono expert, especially relevant to the world of tea ceremonies and Japanese tea culture.
– Seminar A: “The Difference Between Stiff and Soft Kimonos”
– Seminar B: “How to Clean Makeup Stains on Your Kimono Collar by Yourself”
5. Matcha Experience
Visitors can enjoy making their own matcha, as well as try matcha beer and matcha sweets at dedicated booths.
Event Details:
– Dates: Saturday, September 28, and Sunday, September 29, 2024, 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:30 PM)
– Venue: Tokuyu Kaikan (Dai Nihon Chado Gakkai Headquarters)
– Address: 20 Samoncho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
– Access: 6-minute walk from Yotsuya-sanchome Station (Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line) or 6-minute walk from Shinanomachi Station (JR Sobu Line)
– Admission Fee: Free entry
– Tasting tickets: ¥1,000 in advance, ¥1,300 on the day
– Tea Ceremony Experience: ¥2,000
– Japanese Tea and Kimono Seminars: ¥2,000
– Event Website: https://nihonchacollection.com
– Ticket Sales Page: https://nihonchacollection2024.peatix.com
Organizer: Nihoncha Seikatsu （Japan Tea Guide）
