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 articles featuring Japanese tea cafés and tea experiences as subjects of coverage, 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.

 

 

OCHATIMES is currently organised around two main categories, ‘Tea Producers, Craft & Culture’ and ‘Japanese Tea Shops & Destinations’,

 

alongside a ‘Tea Map’ that helps readers find tea farms, Japanese tea shops and other tea-related locations.

 

• Tea Producers, Craft & Culture

 

• Japanese Tea Shops & Destinations

 

• Japanese Tea Map

 

 

 

 

•Tea Producers, Craft & Culture

 

This category explores the different types and characteristics of Japanese tea, including sencha, gyokuro, matcha and Japanese black tea

(wakoucha). It also introduces tea cultivation techniques, the craftsmanship of tea farmers and wholesalers, and the tea cultures that have

developed across Japan.

 

Through visits to tea farms and interviews with tea farmers and wholesalers, we share the skills, knowledge and perspectives of those

involved in Japanese tea production.

 

The category also features informative articles on tea processing methods, distribution, history and culture, offering readers a deeper

understanding of Japanese tea and the people behind it.

 

 

 

•Japanese Tea Shops & Destinations

 

This category introduces Japanese tea shops, cafés, traditional tea rooms and destinations where visitors can experience Japanese tea culture, primarily in Shizuoka Prefecture.

 

Through visits to shops and other locations, we explore what each has to offer, from Japanese tea and sweets to tea leaves available for purchase and hands-on tea experiences. Our articles combine original photography with interviews to introduce the people, places and experiences that make each location distinctive.

 

Whether you are looking for somewhere to enjoy Japanese tea, a shop to purchase tea leaves or a destination to explore during your travels, this category provides practical information to help you discover places where Japanese tea can be enjoyed.

 

 

•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.