History of Japanese Tea: Where Did Tea Come From?
When you think of Japan, you think of "tea." However, surprisingly few people know when and where tea came from, or how it spread throughout the country.
In this article, we will carefully explain the flow of Japanese tea from its origins to modern times in a way that's easy for beginners to understand. This content is recommended not only for those interested in Japanese culture, but also for those aiming to take the Japanese Tea Instructor exam.
Heian Period: Saicho and Kukai Bring Tea from China
Tea was introduced to Japan during the Heian period (9th century).
It is said that Saicho (founder of Tendai Buddhism) and Kukai (founder of Shingon Buddhism), who traveled to Tang China, brought tea seeds back to Japan.
Tea at that time was extremely precious and was mainly consumed as medicine among nobles and monks. It was heavily influenced by Tang tea culture and was a drink that emphasized "efficacy."
Kamakura Period: Eisai Spreads Tea Through "Kissa Yojoki"
During the Kamakura period, the Zen monk Eisai brought tea seeds and production methods back from China again, and in 1191, he wrote "Kissa Yojoki" (Drinking Tea for Health).
Tea is the divine medicine for health and the miraculous technique for longevity
As these words suggest, Eisai recommended tea as "medicine for health."
Deeply connected to Zen practice, tea also spread among samurai as a means of mental concentration and health maintenance.
Muromachi to Azuchi-Momoyama Period: Tocha, Tea Ceremony, and Sen no Rikyu
During the Muromachi period, "tocha" (tea competitions where people guessed the origin of tea) became popular, and tea gradually became more of a luxury item.
Then, during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, Sen no Rikyu appeared and perfected "wabi-cha" based on the spirit of "wabi-sabi."
This became the prototype of today's tea ceremony.
As symbolized by phrases like "ichigo ichie" (one time, one meeting), tea evolved from a mere drink into a culture for connecting hearts.
Edo to Showa Period: The Emergence of Sencha and Mechanization
During the Edo period, "sencha" (steeped tea) that could be easily drunk by pouring hot water appeared, and tea spread to common people.
A person called Baisao spread sencha-do, and it became established in merchant culture.
With the Meiji period, tea manufacturing machines were introduced, and tea entered an era of mass production and export. During the Showa period, components like catechins and theanine were researched, and tea regained attention as a health drink.
Modern Times: "Japanese Tea" Spreads Worldwide
Today, Japanese tea has spread worldwide as "Japanese Tea," and particularly "Matcha" is attracting attention as a superfood.
- Growing health consciousness
- Resonance with environmental awareness
- Value as tourism and experiential culture
Against this background, Japanese tea is expected to become an increasingly important presence both domestically and internationally.
Summary by Period
- Heian: Saicho and Kukai bring tea seeds from China
- Kamakura: Eisai writes "Kissa Yojoki" and spreads tea culture with Zen
- Muromachi: Tocha becomes popular and tea ceremony culture is born
- Momoyama: Sen no Rikyu perfects "wabi-cha" and establishes tea ceremony
- Edo: Sencha appears and permeates commoner culture
- Meiji: Mechanization of tea production and expansion of overseas exports
- Showa onwards: Health effects of catechins and theanine gain attention
- Modern: Overseas expansion progresses and gains attention as tourism and cultural resource
In our next article, we will introduce the different types and production methods of Japanese tea in detail. Please look forward to it!