Tea Tour of Japan, May in 2019 by World Tea Tour

Dan Robertson, a prominent American tea expert, is planning for tea tour to Japan in May 2019.

 

Obviously, May is the most exciting season for tea lovers. "May in 2019" is more than just that. May in 2019 is very very very special for Japan as the opening of the new era.

 

On April 30 in 2019, the current Emperor Akihito is going to abdicate, which will be the first time in over two centuries, and the new Emperor, and the current Crown Prince Naruhito  is going to be enthroned on May 1. At the same time, “Heisei era”, Japanese imperial era name will change to the new one.

 

So when you come to Japan next May, you will not only see and taste a wonderful tea, but feel the new era of Japan. It will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

If you are interested in the special tea tour at a special time, please check the website of 

World Tea Tour:  https://www.worldteatours.com/products/tea-tour-of-japan

A Japanese Tea Event in Osaka

Japanese tea has been attracting more people in the world. Mr Oscar Brekell, a Swedish guy, is one of them. I should say he does just more than that. He attracts enough to be a certified Japanese instructor. What's more surprising, he speaks amazing and beautiful Japanese. I think it’s better than mine….

 

The other day, his book launch seminar was held at a tea shop in Osaka. I served as master of ceremonies.

talk about tea things, future of Japanese tea etc
with an owner of the tea shop

Many Japanese gathered to learn about Japanese tea from the Swedish Japanese tea instructor. In a way, it is sad for Japanese to forget about the beauty of Japanese tea, but it was a great chance for them to remember and re-recognize it. Also, they learned Japanese tea can be very stylish and cool, and the taste changes depending on the brewing way. Knowing that Japanese tea is getting more popular outside Japan, the guests seemed to be proud of the tea too.

  

He has published “The Book of Japanese tea”, written in both Japanese and English. It's very informative. If you are interested in Japanese tea, you will like it. 

* https://www.brekell.com/

Afternoon Tea Hunting!?

“--- katsu” is a kind of fad in Japan now.

“katsu” is an abbreviated word for “katsudo”, which is translated as “activity” or “hunting”.

“Kon-katsu” means spouse-hunting. “Shu-katsu” can be two meaning. One is the job-hunting, the other is activity to prepare for death. “Asa-katsu” is activity to make effective use of morning time. “Cho-katsu” refers to improvement in your diet which is good for intestine, which is very important for your health…….etc

I’ve found a new “katsu” word (to me), which is “noon-katsu”. What is it!?

According to the articles I read, it refers to “afternoon tea hunting”.

Afternoon tea is popular here in Japan. So many hotels and tearooms serve afternoon tea menu, and lots of people, most of them are ladies, do afternoon tea hopping.  You  would say, “I am doing “noon-katsu”. Would you join us?”

To me, it doesn’t sound very elegant and sounds right, but the new word could boost the popularity of Afternoon tea further. Who knows??