Over the past few decades, Japanese tea has been facing numerous challenges. In Japan, it is perceived as too ordinary and outdated, resulting in low domestic interest and a decrease in production over the years. Nonetheless there are people who are working to create the future of Japanese tea. We launched the Japanese Tea Conference in 2023 to spotlight the tea initiatives giving hope for the future and to create a space for tea-minded people to connect. In 2024 the conference were held twice: in Tokyo and Kyoto. The registration for 2025 will open later. We are looking forward to seeing you there!
Tokyo 21st July 2024
| Tokyo International Exchange Center Media Hall & Foyer 2-2-1 Aomi, Koto City, Tokyo 135-0064, Japan |
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Kyoto 28th July 2024
| Kyoto International Community House Special Conference Room 2-1 Awadaguchi Toriicho, Sakyo Ward, kyoto, 606-8436, Japan |
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Program
The conferences will feature several Japanese Tea Innovators, who have been working on some exciting tea initiatives. At the Tokyo conference, Ryo Iwamoto from TeaRoom will speak about connecting tea industry with tea culture. Mikito Tanimoto from TOKYO TEA JOURNAL will discuss the importance of content in a tea subscription service. Kazuhiro Koyama from Chushutsu-sha will talk about the need of making tea more accessible to everyone, that he is trying to achieve through Japan Matcha Latte Art Competition.
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Ryo Iwamoto TeaRoom |
Mikito Tanimoto TOKYO TEA JOURNAL |
Kazuhiro Koyama Chushutsu-sha |
At the Kyoto conference we will have Eiji Nakamura from Baisa Nakamura to introduce the unique concept of producing fresh tea all year round. Ren Yamagata from Mandokorocha Ennokai will speak about the importance of preserving historic tea regions. Soma Matsumoto from mirume Shinryoku Sabo will discuss the need of getting access to tea in every day life.
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Eiji Nakamura Baisa Nakamura |
Ren Yamagata Mandokorocha Ennokai |
Soma Matsumoto mirume Shinryoku Sabo |
During the conference we will also hear from Japanese Tea Evangelists – Japanese university students, who after learning about tea went on a study abroad programs and introduced Japanese tea to their new circles at the destination countries. Last year 30 Japanese Tea Evangelists went to 14 different countries around the world and during the conference we will hear about their activities abroad.
After the presentations we will also have a free-style tea party. This will be a great opportunity to connect with the speakers and other participants, while tasting some award winning Japanese teas. The conference will be concluded with a celebration dinner, that will give an extended chance to make closer connections with tea professionals and tea enthusiasts alike.
Schedule
Daytime Session
12:30pm Registration
1pm Opening remarks
1:20pm Japanese Tea Innovator speeches
2:50pm Short break
3:05pm Japanese Tea Evangelist speeches
4:45pm Short break
5pm Tea Party
6pm End of the daytime session
Evening Session
6:15pm Celebration dinner
8pm End of the evening session
Participation fee
Daytime Session
Free of charge
Evening Session
Regular ticket – 4,000yen
GJTea members (Tea Fellows, Tea Catalysts) – 2,000yen
Japanese Tea Evangelists – Free of charge