The Japanese Tea Conference 2025 marked the third year of this growing initiative. The Tokyo edition, held on 19th July, offered a rich and diverse program centered around three themes: innovative tea projects emerging across Japan, global perspectives from the international Japanese tea community, and a lively tea gathering that connected speakers and participants.
At the heart of the conference were presentations by three Japanese Tea Innovators. Tomotaka Tajimi of the Japan Ochawari Association introduced the concept of ochawari – blending tea with alcohol to create distinctive cocktails. Hiroaki Hamada of Ryumeikan explored how tea themes can enrich the hospitality experience within the hotel industry. Ian Chun of Yunomi.life spoke about the export of Japanese tea and the current unprecedented global matcha boom.
Following the talks, the tea party created a relaxed and welcoming space where attendees and presenters could interact in person while enjoying a thoughtfully curated selection of teas. Alongside the presenters’ booths, students of the Japanese Tea Evangelist Program contributed actively by hosting three booths of their own and engaging directly with guests.
The program then shifted to highlight global tea perspectives. Nicoletta Tul of La Finestra sul Tè shared her tea-related activities and recent developments in the Japanese tea scene in Italy. Hyunhee Chang offered insights into how Japanese tea is received in South Korea and described her initiatives to promote it locally. Later in the day, students of the Japanese Tea Evangelist Program took to the stage to share their experiences. Three graduates from the 2024 class reflected on their tea activities during study-abroad programs in Canada, the United States, and China, while current students from the 2025 class introduced the countries they will explore this autumn.
The Tokyo Conference was a vibrant celebration of new connections, tea discoveries, and future possibilities. We are deeply grateful to everyone who joined us and already look forward to gathering again at the Japanese Tea Conferences next year.