Let’s talk about history of tea.

When people want to have a break, they usually say “Ocha-ni-shiyou”, or “Let’s have tea”.We always use this phrase, even if we drink juice or coffee.Especially at my home, “tea” usually means a “break”. There are many phrases containing “cha” or “tea”, in Japanese as well, such as “Nichijosahanji (an everyday occurrence) ”, “Ocha-wo-nigosu (to avoid main issue)”, “Chaka-su (to make fun of)”, and “Muchakucha (unreasonable)”. Since “tea” has been great influence on Japanese culture, I’ll refer history of tea occasionally.

Tea was introduced into Japan from China.In China, tea had been made both for eating and drinking.It is believed that the existence of tea tree during the Heian period. The tea tree was cultivated and the tea production method was introduced to its provinces.The first book about tea in the human history titled “Chakyou ”was written by Rikuu in 761. It proves　that Japanese had already acquired the technique of tea cultivation about 1200 years ago. reference ： CHA DAI HYAKKA (Encyclopedia of Tea) Ⅰ

Source : NOSANGYOSON BUNKA KYOKAI (Rural Culture Association)

Date Published : March　2008