#Japan #Tokyo #Japanese Tea #Saga #Eisei Zenji

Discover the Roots of Japanese Tea

The journey of Japanese tea, which has been respected for over 800 years, begins in SAGA, specifically at Mount Seburi, well-known for the renowned "Eisei Tea". On September 13, 2026, a special lecture titled "Eisei Zenji and the Origins of Japanese Tea from Saga" will take place at Otsuma Women's University in Chiyoda, Tokyo.

Organized by the Matsukuma Regional Revitalization Council and Ecobai Co., the event will delve into the origins of Japanese tea culture, tracing the footsteps of Eisei Zenji, who laid the foundations for tea culture in Japan. The speakers will include leading experts from the fields of tea history, chemistry, and culture, sharing their insights in what promises to be a fascinating four-hour session.

The Significance of Eisei Zenji

Eisei Zenji returned from China with a single tea seed, meant for the suffering people and monks. This marked the beginning of a new chapter in Saga, where the seed flourished and shaped the vibrant tea culture we recognize today. However, the very roots of "Eisei Tea" are now facing a significant threat due to an aging producer population and a lack of successors, pushing this important part of Japanese cultural heritage towards extinction. Currently, there are only a few producers left, all of whom lack any successors to carry forward this legacy.

A Focus on Cultural Heritage

This lecture is not merely a historical class but rather an opportunity to explore Eisei Zenji and tea through diverse perspectives. The aim is to shed light on the current challenges while emphasizing the importance of preserving and continuing the legacy of Eisei Tea for future generations. The attendees will engage with the broader narrative of Japanese tea and its implications for the community.

Historical Context of Eisei Tea

The area surrounding Mount Seburi is steeped in history, possessing documents from Ryozenji temple—where Eisei Zenji is noted to have first planted tea seeds upon his return. A monument commemorating this event stands at the site for visitors to reflect on the historical significance of tea cultivation in Japan.

Event Highlights and Programs

The lecture program offers an appealing examination of Japanese tea's depth:
1. 13:05 - 14:00: History of Tea
Speaker: Historian Kohei Kumakura
- The pivotal moment of Eisei Zenji's decision to transform tea from a medicine to a cultural practice.

2. 14:05 - 14:45: Chemical Analysis
Speaker: Professor Masashi Omori, Otsuma Women's University
- Insights into the genetic lineage and component characteristics of the tea tree that Eisei brought to Japan.

3. 15:00 - 15:50: Cultural Impact
Speaker: Machiko Iwama, Fujinokuni Tea Museum
- A narrative of Japanese tea culture as captured in the historical text "Kissayojoki" originating from Saga.

4. 15:55 - 16:40: Community Development
Speaker: Masahiro Tara, Matsukuma Regional Development Company
- Discussion on the historical journey of Japanese tea from the mountains of Seburi and our ongoing challenges.

Taste of Eisei Tea

At the conclusion of the lectures, attendees will have the opportunity to taste and purchase rare Eisei Tea, which is said to be almost extinct, thus connecting the past with the present.

Event Details

• - Date: September 13, 2026
• - Time: 13:00 - 17:00 (Doors open at 12:00)
• - Location: Otsuma Women's University, Room E454, Chiyoda, Tokyo

Access:

• - 10-minute walk from JR Sobu Line Ichigaya Station
• - 5-minute walk from Exit 5, Hanzomon Station
• - 7-minute walk from A3 Exit, Ichigaya Station

Participation Fees:

• - General: ¥6,000
• - Early Bird: ¥5,000
• - Online Viewing: ¥2,000

For further details and registration, visit: Peatix event page
Organizers: Matsukuma Regional Revitalization Council, Ecobai Co.
Supported by: Saga Prefecture
Cooperated by: Otsuma Women's University

Inquiries

Contact: Eisei Zenji Tokyo Lecture Secretariat
Personnel: Edo Hinoda, Okazaki
Email: [email protected]