We have frequently discussed the challenge of finding Japanese tea publications in other languages. While we’ve reviewed a few in the past, we’re now (happily) back with two more captivating reads: t-Magazine and Fogli di Tè.
T-Magazine is an independent print publication that originated in Germany, with a focus on tea. The core team behind it consists of journalist and tea enthusiast Olaf Tarmas, designer Katja Kleinebrecht, and magazine journalist Bertram Weiß. Now in its sixth edition, the magazine initially launched in German, but it is now also available in English. Recently, T-Magazine has focused specifically on Japan, with an entire issue dedicated to Japanese tea, particularly highlighting Kagoshima. Titled “Japan. The Tea Families of Kagoshima”, this issue explores a range of fascinating topics. The stories of tea farmers such as Shutaro Hayashi and Shuichiro Sakamoto are beautifully told and captured by Sophie Pulkus and Alejandro Moreno.
Two of our incredible Tea Fellow members and tea specialists are also featured and interviewed in the magazine. Eduardo Molina Anfossi, Head of Tea Experience at Paper&Tea, discusses his experience in Kagoshima, shedding light on the region’s unique characteristics within the tea industry. Meanwhile, David Lavecchia, co-founder of Tezumi, shares his insights into the differences in teaware used for brewing Japanese teas. Additionally, the issue delves into the essence of Japanese teas at a teahouse in Denmark, the unique tea connection between France and Japan, Japanese tea culture in New York City, the best matcha cafés in Europe, and tea tasting profiles of various Japanese green teas. It also includes a touch of chemistry and components, contributed by another of our tea friends, Katrina Wild, Assistant Manager at Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms.
The second publication is Fogli di Tè, Italy’s first magazine dedicated to tea, which has been publishing since 2016. The core team consists of four passionate tea lovers: Stefano Aliquò, Enrico Banfo, Luca Campaniello, and our dear Tea Fellow Chiara Zublena. In their latest issue, Il Gyokuro e Altre Storie, Fogli di Tè focuses primarily on gyokuro and the Japanese tea scene. This issue is filled with fascinating articles and interviews. Tea farmers and experts, including some familiar names, explore various aspects of this revered Japanese green tea. It begins with an article by our Tea Fellow Sara Cherchi, who introduces the history, cultivation, and production methods of gyokuro. Japanese Tea Instructor Florent Weugue discusses different cultivars, while interviews with tea farmers Keita Ushijima, Noriyasu Uejima, and Kazumi Nakatami offer insights from those who tend to the fields and leaves every day, making our tea time possible. The issue also features an article on hand-rolled tea, highlighting temomi masters who visited Italy, as well as a piece on sustainable practices in tea farming and chagusaba method.
We’ve also contributed an article written by Anna, which examines the current state of the Japanese tea sector and how the demand and production of gyokuro have evolved over the years.
We couldn’t be more excited every time we see Japanese tea being discussed in such detail and across different languages. Furthermore, we are incredibly proud to have so many brilliant Tea Fellows in our community who actively share their passion and knowledge of Japanese tea!