The formal tea ceremony holds a special place in Japanese culture, deeply woven into its lifestyle for centuries. It has become even more prevalent in Japan than in its country of origin, China, where it was borrowed from nearly 900 years ago. The tea ceremony and Zen are closely intertwined, arriving in Japan together and […]
The kyūsu (急須), a traditional Japanese teapot, holds a special place in tea brewing, particularly for green tea enthusiasts. Interestingly, it is also found in the Nizhny Novgorod area of Russia, where it is known as Kisyushka, a term borrowed from the Japanese. There is a common misconception that all kyūsu teapots have a side […]
The art of scroll painting has a rich history in East Asia, with two prominent types: the Chinese landscape scroll and the Japanese narrative scroll. Chinese scrolls emerged as early as the late 4th century AD, initially serving as instructional tools for imparting Buddhist moral lessons. By the 7th century, the continuous scroll format had […]
Tenmoku glaze, also known as “temmoku” and “temoku,” holds a rich history and mesmerizing allure. Originating from the imitation of Chinese Jian ware during the southern Song dynasty, Tenmoku has found its place in both China and Japan. Let’s delve into the captivating world of Tenmoku glaze and its journey through time. Origins and Aesthetic […]
The Roji (露地), meaning “dewy ground” in Japanese, refers to the garden path that leads to the Chashitsu, the tea room where the Japanese tea ceremony takes place. It serves as a transitional space, allowing participants to leave behind their worldly concerns and immerse themselves in the serene and mindful tea world. This article explores […]
Chakai, a tea gathering, shares similarities with Chaji, but it embraces a more inclusive approach, welcoming a broader range of participants. Unlike Chaji, which involves a selected group of guests, Chakai allows anyone to join and experience the beauty of tea. Throughout the event, multiple servings of green tea are offered, creating a lively atmosphere […]
Tamaryokucha (玉緑茶), also known as guricha, is a high-quality Japanese green tea with a tangy, berry-like flavor, and a deep aroma that has tones of citrus, grass, and berries. This tea can be processed in two ways, either through pan-frying (which is a Chinese process and rarely used in Japan) or steaming (which is the […]
Shincha (新茶), or “new tea,” is a highly prized Japanese green tea that comes from the first harvest of sencha during the spring. This tea is only available in limited quantities during the springtime due to its popularity and unique flavor. Different Harvests of Japanese Green Tea In Japan, green teas are classified based on […]
In Japan, the 88th day after the start of Spring in the traditional Japanese calendar, which falls around May 2nd, is known as the “88th night.” This marks the time when the plants and vegetation begin to bloom, and tea leaves start to sprout. Drinking tea made from these buds is believed to have protective […]
Sencha (煎茶, lit. ’infused tea’) is a widely popular type of Japanese green tea, prepared by infusing the processed whole tea leaves in hot water. This tea variety differs from Matcha (抹茶), a powdered Japanese green tea, where the green tea powder is mixed with hot water, and the leaf itself is included in the beverage. […]