Over the past few decades, Japanese tea has faced numerous challenges. Within Japan, it is often seen as too ordinary and outdated, leading to a decline in both domestic interest and production. Yet, there are individuals working with passion and creativity to shape a new future for Japanese tea. To highlight these efforts, we launched the Japanese Tea Conference in 2023. This event aims to bring attention to inspiring tea-related initiatives and to provide a space for tea-minded individuals to connect. In 2025, the conference will be held in two cities: Tokyo on 19th July and Kyoto on 26th July. We warmly invite you to join us.
Tokyo, 19th July 2025
| Tokyo International Exchange Center Media Hall & Foyer 2-2-1 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan |
 |
 |
 |
Kyoto, 26th July 2025
| Kyoto International Community House Special Conference Room 2-1 Awadaguchi Toriicho, Sakyo Ward, kyoto, 606-8436, Japan |
 |
 |
 |
Program Overview
The 2025 Japanese Tea Conference will showcase innovative tea projects from Japan and offer international perspectives on the future of Japanese tea. The program includes presentations by:
-
Japanese Tea Innovators – individuals in Japan leading inspiring and forward-thinking tea initiatives
-
Japanese Tea Catalysts – educators and advocates promoting Japanese tea in various parts of the world
-
Japanese Tea Evangelists – Japanese university students who introduced Japanese tea during their study abroad programs
In addition to the talks, a tea party will provide an opportunity to enjoy delicious teas from across Japan while engaging in conversation with speakers and fellow attendees.
*Online participation will also be available, for those who cannot attend it at the venue.
Japanese Tea Innovators
At the Tokyo Conference, Tomotaka Tajimi from the Japan Ochawari Association will introduce the concept of ochawari, blending tea with alcohol to create new unique cocktails. Hiroaki Hamada from Ryumeikan will explore how tea themes can enhance the hospitality experience within the hotel industry. Ian Chun from Yunomi.life will discuss the export of Japanese tea and the development of new services to support it.
 |
 |
 |
| Tomotaka Tajimi | Hiroaki Hamada | Ian Chun |
| Japan Ochawari Association | Ryumeikan | Yunomi.life |
At the Kyoto Conference, Takashi Ikka from Shizuoka University will present research on using DNA to develop new and distinctive tea cultivars. Serika Tsuji from AOBEAT will introduce chanoma, an initiative creating outdoor tea terraces that encourage people to enjoy tea in beautiful tea settings. Yoichi Kourogi from Ryokuheki Chaen will share his work on extending the northern limit of Japanese tea cultivation, helping to redefine where tea can be successfully grown in Japan.
 |
 |
 |
| Takashi Ikka | Serika Tsuji | Yoichi Kourogi |
| Shizuoka University | AOBEAT | Ryokuheki Chaen |
Japanese Tea Catalysts
Accessing Japanese tea and its culture is not always easy for international audiences. Japanese Tea Catalysts have been working to teach, share, and promote Japanese tea in their countries. The conference will feature talks on their activities and insights into the tea landscape in Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
Japanese Tea Evangelists
We will also hear from Japanese Tea Evangelists – university students from Japan who, after learning about tea, participated in study abroad programs and introduced Japanese tea in their host countries. In the past year, 30 Tea Evangelists traveled to 15 countries and will share their experiences and activities from abroad.
Schedule
12:30pm Registration opens
1pm Welcome speech
1:30pm Speeches by Japanese Tea Innovators
3:10pm Tea party
4:30pm Speeches by Japanese Tea Catalysts
5:20pm Speeches by Japanese Tea Evangelists
6:20pm Closing speech
6:30pm End of the conference
Registration
Participation in the Japanese Tea Conference is free of charge, but prior registration is required.