Tea stories : Japan

Book in English

Tea Stories: Japan is a unique exploration of Japanese tea culture. Through the stories of individuals whose lives are deeply rooted in the world of tea, it reveals aspects of Japanese tea culture that are not easily discovered.

The stories take place in Kyoto and Shizuoka prefectures, two regions important for tea production.

Among them are a farmer who tends to the tea bushes and harvests the tea, a factory worker who processes the leaves, and highly skilled artisans—from master potters to the poetic wagashi confectioner.

Interest in Japanese tea culture and tea has grown in recent years, and although Japan is known worldwide for its long-standing traditions and ritualized customs, there are still many esoteric facets to it.

Richly illustrated, *Tea Stories: Japan* offers a glimpse into how tea is an integral part of people’s lives in Japan.

It presents an intimate exploration of the evolution of tea and its contemporary uses—including tea recipes, customs and rituals, rare and regional teas, the details and function of tea ware, and various schools of the Japanese tea ceremony.

This book will appeal to readers interested in Japan and its culture, as well as those curious about specialty teas—both those who know very little about Japanese tea and want to learn more, and those who wish to delve deeper into this captivating subject.

Ausra Burg is the founder of My Cup of Tea, which she established in 2008 with the desire to share her passion for high-quality tea and her appreciation for the world’s tea cultures.

She travels to Japan every year, working closely with Japanese tea producers, ceramicists, and other artisans.

With a flagship tea shop in the heart of the bustling Soho neighborhood, the company now sources and blends teas and herbal teas from around the world, in collaboration with tea growers spanning many generations who share her commitment to quality.

It regularly hosts tastings, workshops, and events at its London tea room with the aim of sharing its knowledge and enthusiasm for the customs, history, and taste of tea.