Amin Abbas

IKIGAI-SHU organized an engaging winter edition of Japanese Tea Discovery Masterclass wherein it offered guests an experience of tasting and brewing six authentic Japanese teas by using a diverse range of methods.

Viktoryia Toma, IKIGAI-SHU’s CEO and Founder, speaking exclusively to Arab News Japan, said “This winter edition of Japanese Tea Discovery Masterclass offered IKIGAI-CHA’s guests an experience to taste and brew six authentic Japanese teas using a diverse range of methods.

“Hatsu Tsumi Sencha Saemidori from Yame Region, Fukuoka Prefecture, was enjoyed as a warm brew and flush cold brew. Fukujuen Genmaicha and Hojicha from Uji Region, Kyoto Prefecture, offered satisfying hot brews as well as deliciously sipped cold brews.

“Rare Japanese Oolong from Gokase Region, Miyazaki Prefecture, showed an elegant beauty of jasmine and wisteria served as a hot tea and an iced extraction.

“Wabi Yuzu Wakoucha surprised the guests with a splendid blend of refreshing citrus notes and the charming tension of a black tea.

“Wabi Usucha Matcha served as a cold brew and as an espresso serving left no doubt on the versatility of artisanal Japanese teas.”

About the response and feedback from the participants of the masterclass, Toma said: “The event was attended by true tea aficionados as well as food and beverage professionals who wanted to understand traditional as well as contemporary brewing techniques.

“It’s a rare occasion to brew side by side such a unique selection of teas and it was highly appreciated by all guests. ‘Brew-it-yourself’ format allowed participants not only to have a better understanding of a correct way of preparing Japanese teas, it allowed them to practice both sencha-so and sa-so essential techniques using authentic Japanese pottery. Japanese desserts served alongside the teas made the experience truly memorable.”

Toma mentioned that there are 12 IKIGAI-CHA tea events planned for 2025 from masterclasses focusing on Japanese tea regions and tea varieties to tea and food pairings, pottery and more.

Additionally, IKIGAI-SHU have a full calendar of Global Japanese Tea qualifications open for tea lovers and F&B professionals.

IKIGAI-SHU is the official representative of the Global Japanese Tea Association in the UAE. It is devoted to demystifying Japanese tea category and educating trade professionals and tea enthusiasts on the ways of selecting, brewing and enjoying Japanese tea.