Membership Program
Japanese tea is facing many challenges domestically, such as shifting habits of consumption and decreasing production. On the other hand, while its popularity is growing internationally, for many people it is still difficult to find authentic Japanese tea or accurate information about it.
At the Global Japanese Tea Association, we recognize the challenges on both sides: in and outside of Japan, and believe that we can address them if we collaborate together around the globe.
Our membership program is the core of our association and the key to this goal. It enables current and aspiring tea professionals (tea producers, tea sellers, tea educators, and others with passion for Japanese tea) to connect, learn and create together regardless of distance.
Access the latest information, make valuable connections, and find new opportunities to engage with Japanese tea. Together we can bring Japanese tea to a brighter tomorrow!
Membership Levels
Tea Buddy |
Tea Fellow |
Tea Catalyst |
| Open to everyone | Open to everyone | Application required |
| Free | 850yen/month or 9,180yen/year (10% discount) |
1500yen/month or 16,200yen/year (10% discount) |
Benefits |
Benefits |
Benefits |
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More Details on the Membership Benefits
Registered Members Directory
The access to our registered members directory allows Tea Fellows and Tea Catalysts to find and reach out to other members in our network: Japanese tea producers, sellers, educators and others passionate about Japanese tea.
Dedicated Online Japanese Tea Community
Tea Fellows and Tea Catalysts also have access to a dedicated online Japanese tea community based on Workplace, that allows a more personal contact with same level members, and provides access to live Japanese tea updates from Japan and around the world.
Latest Japanese Tea and Industry Information
Our members at all three levels (Tea Buddy, Tea Fellow and Tea Catalyst) receive the latest information about Japanese tea and tea industry through our website journal and regular newsletters. Through collaboration with various tea organizations and experts, we are proud to provide informative articles with unique perspectives on Japanese tea.
Japanese Tea Image Library
Tea Fellow and Tea Catalyst are able to use the Japanese tea image library both for their commercial and non-commercial projects. The image library contains a broad range of images from Japanese tea cultivation and processing to tea brewing, tea culture and more.
Access to and Discounts for Japanese Tea Courses and Events
All our members have access to Japanese tea courses and events, that help deepen the knowledge and gain practical experience with Japanese tea. Tea Fellows and Tea Catalysts can also enjoy discounts for these activities, such as:
- 500yen discount for the Meet the Tea Farmer event
- 2,000yen discount for the Japanese Tea Foundation Course
- 3,000yen discount for the Japanese Tea Intermediate Course
- 10,000yen discount for the Japanese Tea Master Course*
*Only available to members on a yearly membership
Tea Jobs Board
Tea jobs board is a listing of tea-related work opportunities: paid or voluntary, full-time or part-time, long-term or short-term, etc. Tea Buddies are able to view these opportunities, whereas Tea Fellows and Tea Catalysts have the ability to post them, when they are looking for someone to help with their tea projects.
Membership Status Confirmation
To confirm their membership status all our members are issued a member’s card. For more credibility in their tea community Tea Fellows and Tea Catalysts are also permitted to use the association logo to display their membership in the association.
Profile Showcase (Limited to First 100 Pioneer Members)
We really appreciate the early trust and support of our pioneer members. The first 100 members at Tea Fellow or Tea Catalyst level are able to showcase their business or personal profile on our website for as long as their membership continues at that level.
Rights to Represent GJTea
Lastly, limited to Tea Catalysts are the rights to represent our association in their location, if there is no representative in that city. Tea catalysts are entitled to hold Japanese tea courses (after completing the training) and events on behalf of our association, and to further grow the Japanese tea community in their city.
Join us today, and together let’s develop the Japanese tea world further!