Turkish tea brewing experts train Japanese in traditional methods

In a unique cross-cultural exchange, Turkish tea brewing experts have taught Japanese participants the art of making traditional Turkish tea, showcasing the rich brewing culture and boosting Türkiye’s tea exports.

The event was organized by the Eastern Black Sea Exporters Association (DKIB) as part of the Turquality Promotion Project, under the coordination of the Ministry of Trade.

Promoting Turkish tea in Japan

The training, held from December 11 to 13, 2024, in Japan, was led by experienced tea brewers from Rize, the heart of Türkiye’s tea production. These experts demonstrated the delicate techniques involved in brewing Turkish tea, aiming to increase brand recognition and expand the market share of Turkish tea in Japan.

The program featured hands-on workshops, a competition, and tasting sessions, with participants learning not only about the brewing process but also the deep cultural heritage behind Turkish tea. As part of the project, Yumika Arita was selected as Japan’s first “Turkish Tea Brewing Master.”

Step toward stronger cultural ties

Shaban Turgut, Vice Chairman of the DKIB Board of Directors and Head of the Tea Sector Committee, emphasized the importance of Turkish tea for the region’s economy. He noted that tea is the second most consumed beverage in the world, after water, highlighting its significance as a key agricultural product in Türkiye.

“Through our involvement in the Turquality Promotion Project, we aimed to introduce Turkish tea’s culture and brewing techniques in Japan. This will help increase our exports and strengthen Türkiye’s presence in the global tea market,” said Turgut.

Unique cultural experience

During the event, participants explored not only the origins and brewing techniques of Turkish tea but also its unique cultural aspects. Turkish tea, brewed with a specific method involving two stacked kettles, has been a symbol of hospitality and community for centuries.

Turgut shared that the program was a huge success, with Japanese tea experts showing keen interest in the nuances of Turkish tea, such as the importance of water temperature and the use of thin-waisted glasses for serving. “The aroma of our tea was particularly appreciated, given Japan’s rich tea culture,” he added.

Turkish tea finds new ambassador in Japan

The highlight of the event was the selection of Japan’s first Turkish Tea Brewing Master. “This person will be our ambassador in Japan, promoting Turkish tea brewing techniques,” Turgut explained. “We hope that this will help us gain a larger share of Japan’s competitive tea market.”

Spreading cultural significance of Turkish tea

Yusuf Pirim, the champion of Turkish tea brewing and one of the experts leading the event, explained that Turkish tea is more than just a beverage—it is a cultural symbol, a representation of labor and sharing. Pirim noted that the event in Tokyo was an exceptional opportunity to showcase not only the flavor but also the cultural richness of Turkish tea.

“From the tea plate to the glass, every drop of Turkish tea is filled with human effort,” said Pirim. “This event was a perfect example of how this culture resonates globally, even across continents.”

Building stronger ties through tea

Pirim also highlighted the workshops and competitions, where Turkish tea brewers collaborated with Japanese tea masters, sharing techniques and traditions. “The competition led to the selection of Japan’s first Turkish tea master. This is a significant step in promoting Turkish tea and establishing a stronger bond between the two cultures,” Pirim added.

He concluded by expressing his gratitude to all those involved in the project and remarked, “Today, Turkish tea has once again proven that it is not just a beverage, but a bridge between cultures. We hope that this journey, which began with the steam rising from the tea, will lead to many new stories of friendship and collaboration.”

This event in Japan marks a major milestone in Türkiye’s efforts to promote its tea culture internationally. Through education and cultural exchange, Turkish tea has found a new audience in Japan, paving the way for greater recognition and increased exports. By continuing to share its cultural heritage, Türkiye aims to strengthen its global position in the tea market.