About Us

About OCHATIMES – A Media Sharing the Allure of Japanese Tea with the World

 

OCHATIMES is a web media platform based in Shizuoka dedicated to sharing the allure and culture of Japanese tea worldwide.

 

Through interviews with tea farmers and wholesalers, as well as features on Japanese tea cafés and tea experiences, we introduce the rich variety of teas such as matcha, gyokuro, Japanese black tea, and pan-fired tea.

 

Rooted in Shizuoka’s traditions, OCHATIMES aims to convey the many ways Japanese tea can be enjoyed.

 

Discover Japanese Tea Culture -OCHATIMES -

 

Currently, OCHATIMES is made up of three core content categories:

 

Discover Tea – Japanese Tea Production Areas –

 

Enjoy Tea – Japanese Tea Shop Guide –

 

Japanese Tea Map

 

 

 

 

Discover Tea – Japanese Tea Production Areas –

 

This section explores the journey of Japanese tea from cultivation to completion.

 

Through in-depth coverage of tea-growing regions, we present the cultivation methods of farmers, the techniques of plucking, steaming, rolling, and firing at tea factories, as well as the blending expertise of wholesalers.

 

Interviews with tea masters and wholesalers reveal the philosophy and craftsmanship behind Japanese tea, offering readers a comprehensive view of the industry.

 

 

 

Enjoy Tea – Japanese Tea Shop –

 

Centered on Shizuoka, this section introduces Japanese tea cafés and specialty shops with photos that highlight their exterior, atmosphere, menu (sencha, matcha, hōjicha, sweets), prices, and access information.

 

It also features tea-related tourism experiences such as tea ceremony, hand-rolling workshops, and tea field terraces. This practical guide helps readers choose the perfect place to enjoy authentic Japanese tea or plan a tea-themed trip.

 

Owner interviews dive into topics like single-origin teas, roasting methods, and their unique approaches.

 

 

Japanese Tea Map

 

The Japanese Tea Map allows users to easily check distances and routes to tea farms, wholesalers, and cafés featured on OCHATIMES.

 

 

Going forward, OCHATIMES will continue to share the many facets of Japanese tea—its charms, ways to enjoy it, the places where it is cultivated, and the history behind it.

 

We strive to provide readers with valuable, enjoyable content that deepens their understanding and appreciation of Japanese tea.

 

 

Achievements and Features

 

As a dedicated Japanese tea media platform, OCHATIMES has been featured in and collaborated with the following:

・Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries “Japanese Tea Export Promotion Portal”

・MAFF “Let’s Live with Japanese Tea” Campaign

・MAFF “Let’s Go, Let’s Taste!” Campaign

・Official website of World O-CHA Festival 2022 (organized by Shizuoka Prefecture Tea Promotion Division)

・University of Shizuoka, Tea Science Research Center website

・Official site of “Shizuoka, the City of Tea”

・Panel exhibition at Shizuoka Industrial Creative Center’s “Future Tea Gathering” (led by architect Keiko Suzuki)

・Support and endorsement from the ChaOI (Cha Open Innovation) Forum (Mr. Fukushima)

・Jury member for Shizuoka’s “100 Specialty Mountain Teas” (2021–2024)

・Featured in local information magazine Shizuoka Business Report

・Guest appearances on KIMX Radio
And many more activities and contributions.

 

 

 

Team Behind OCHATIMES

 

・Site Management / Representative: Iwamoto Norikazu

・English Translation: Calfo Joshua

・Writing / Photography Guidance: Konan (Magazine Editor)

・SEO / Web Strategy: R. Suzuki

・Photography Guidance: Sugiyama Photo Supplies

・Sake Supervision: Tokyo Nihonshu Club / Tomoya Odaka

・Sake Supervision: Nagashima Liquor Store / Takahiro Nagashima

・We extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported OCHATIMES.