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The New Wave of Chinese Tea Culture in 2025 Hello everyone,In 2025, Shiha traveled to China and experienced firsthand how the China's tea culture has evolved.Since my last visit in 2019, I was amazed to see how both tradition and innovation have blended to create a completely new tea experience. Authentic Chinese Tea, Now in New Style One of the biggest changes I saw was the rise of drink chain brands offering pure, aromatic Chinese tea.What used to be enjoyed only in traditional teahouses can now be found in modern tea-drink chain across the city—served in paper cups, much like how...

Toasty Aroma, Heart-Filling Taste Open the bag, and a just-roasted aroma fills the air. A beautiful harmony of vibrant green tea and roasted rice.The gentle fragrance of rice relaxes the body, while the smooth taste of the tea refreshes the heart. Carefully blended for the best balance of rice and tea. To ensure long-lasting enjoyment, a higher ratio of tea is used (though the volume of rice may make it look like there’s more). Even on third infusion, you can still enjoy the tea’s flavor and the rice’s roasted aroma. For customers purchasing teapots or cups, this tea can be...

Before shipping, teapot are inspected by a certified Tea Specialist. The inspection standards are based on the functional criteria of Japanese teapots, as well as the inspector’s own experience—studying tea in both Japan and China and using teapots for decades.Not only appearance, but also functionality for comfortable brewing is checked.We hope our beautiful and practical teapots will bring you comfort and reassurance, adding joy to your precious teatime.Shiha Teapot Shop, Japanhttps://shihateapot.com

Photo Gallery of Works by Jinshu – Seiji Ito, Tokoname Teapot Artist We are pleased to announce that a photo gallery of works by Jinshu – Seiji Ito is now available on our website-blog at https://shihateacomfort.com/jinshu-collection Please take a look — it features a selection of the artist’s creations from the past ten years.Seiji Ito (Jinshu) carries forward the Japanese tradition of Tokoname teapots, while creating pieces that are unique in texture, stylish in form, and warm in character. With over half a century devoted to teapot making, he continues his creative journey with the aspiration to create even better...

  Shiha visited Mr. Shinohara Takashi, a Suzuyaki (Suzu pottery) artist in Suzu, Ishikawa, Japan. He is currently rebuilding the kiln that collapsed during the massive earthquake of 2024. Follow along as they move forward with steady determination. The works to be fired in this kiln are expected to be unveiled in 2026. 【What is SUZUYAKI? 】Beautiful Black Pottery in Japan, Woke up from a 500-year sleep https://shihateacomfort.com/oldsuzuSuzuyaki Shinohara Takashi Works (YouTube) Shinohara Takashi Page

From time to time, SHIHA TEA STUDIO hold private Japanese Tea & Teaware Experiences Workshop at our studio for oversea guests. It’s one of the ways we enjoy sharing the charm of Japanese tea culture in an interactive and personal setting.We hope this video serves as a brief introduction to what we do.  We’ve spent many years with Japanese tea as a part of our daily lives— drinking it, learning more about it, and practicing the tea ceremony. We hope to continue sharing that experience and supporting your tea life in our own ways. Thank you very much for your attention. Other...

Today SHIHA TEPAOT SHOP talks about the lids of Japanese teapots, known as kyusu.　We’ll also take a look at how they compare with Chinese teapot lids. And also show how to hold the lid/kyusu when brewing in the video. Most Japanese kyusu lids are flat in shape, while Chinese teapot lids often feature a raised edge or "lid wall" which makes them sit more firmly. When using a Japanese kyusu, it’s important to hold the lid gently but firmly while pouring to prevent it from slipping. There are several ways to do this — in our video, we introduce two common...

Tips to Keep Tea Leaves from Blocking Your Teapot Filter We are Shiha Teapot Shop, Japanese tea specialists with decades of experience drinking Japanese tea. If you’ve had trouble with tea leaves clogging your teapot filter—especially when brewing Sencha, which has smaller leaves than teas like Oolong—don’t worry. Here are some simple techniques to keep your tea flowing smoothly: 1. Let the Tea Leaves Settle in Teapot Before you start pouring the tea into your cup, make sure the tea leaves have sunk to the bottom of the teapot. This prevents them from floating around and covering the filter. 2....

About Daruma (Bodhidharma)  Daruma holds special meaning for tea lovers. Daruma (Bodhidharma) is known as the founder of Zen Buddhism. His teachings deeply influenced the spirit of Chinese and Japanese tea culture, where calmness, simplicity, and inner peace are cherished. In Zen training, tea was often used as part of monastic practice — not only to stay awake during long hours of meditation, but also as a means of cultivating awareness and clarity. The act of preparing and drinking tea became a meditative ritual in itself. Through drinking tea, one cultivates inner stillness and mindfulness. At its core lies the...

Dies ist eine Nachricht vom Suzu-Yaki-Künstler Shinohara Takashi - Februar 2025.　Dieser Text wurde freundlicherweise von Philipp Restetzki aus Deutschland übersetzt, der die Werke von Herrn Takashi Shinohara sehr schätzt. Wir sind ihm sehr dankbar für seine Unterstützung. Hintergrund – Erdbeben 2022–2024 Der Brennofen von Shinohara Takashi wurde durch das Erdbeben im Januar 2024 zerstört. Auch sein Wohnhaus wurde beschädigt, und er lebt derzeit in einer vorübergehenden Unterkunft. Er plant, den Brennofen im Frühjahr bis Sommer 2025 wieder aufzubauen. Suzu Pottery works and Earthquake info.: https://shihateacomfort.com/oldsuzuRecovery Hisory from the Earthquake: https://shihateacomfort.com/suzu-earthquakes Note: Suzuyaki (珠洲焼), Suzu-yaki, Suzu ware, and Suzu pottery all refer...

Japan and China share a common tea-serving tradition, which is an important part of hospitality. A well-poured cup of tea is more than just a habit—it's a reflection of etiquette and balance. Filling the cup to 90% may seem generous, but in reality, it’s too much. Pouring tea to 70% ensures the best balance of aesthetics, practicality, etiquette, and aroma. How the Guests Might Feel When tea is poured beyond 80%, guests may feel:　 “Why is there so much tea?” – A sense of confusion. “The host not know the proper way to serve tea” – A concern about etiquette....

This is a message from Suzu-yaki Artist Shinohara Takashi - February 2025. Background - 2022-2024 Earthquake Shinohara Takashi's kiln was destroyed by the 2024 earthquake. His home was also damaged, and he is currently living in temporary housing. He plans to begin rebuilding the kiln this March, 2025. Suzu Pottery works and Earthquake info.: https://shihateacomfort.com/oldsuzuRecovery Hisory from the Earthquake: https://shihateacomfort.com/suzu-earthquakes Shinohara Takashi's Message I believe that one of the beauties of medieval Suzu pottery is its dignified appearance.  The quiet grayish-black color of this pottery invites the person who appreciates it to take in the scenery of the Okunoto region of...

Ancient people were sensitive to the reaction of their bodies and minds that food bring to. Over long periods of history, these effects were observed, recorded, and accumulated into traditional knowledge.In traditional medicine, tea is believed to have the following effects:Hydrating and quenching thirst (生津止渴): Tea helps production of body fluids and alleviate dryness in the body.Removing heat from the body (清热解毒): It cools excessive internal heat and aids in cleansing the system.Promoting urination to remove excess water from the body (利尿): Tea helps eliminate excess fluids through urination.I often drink green tea. When I overthink and feel heat accumulating...

The article introduces a healthy snack based on the concepts of Japanese Kampo medicine, benefiting both the body and mind. It explains the role of tea in Kampo, such as hydrating, removing heat, and promoting detoxification. Foods with health benefits that maintain well-being are considered "food medicine" (食薬), offering gradual improvements when consumed regularly.

The article highlights four foods ideal for tea time: Jujube, Pine Nuts, Raisins, and Black Soybeans. These foods nourish blood, support digestion, and hair, and promote overall health. 

In conclusion, these foods enhance physical, mental, skin, and hair health, making them great for daily snacks or tea time.

To Customers in Australia Thank you for shopping with us. For shipments to Australia, we now charge an additional shipping fee of 2,000 JPY per item (3,500JPY for Tasmania). We would like to explain the reason behind this change. Reasons for the change In recent years, shipping companies have significantly increased fuel surcharges for shipments to Australia. And the actual additional shipping fee for Australia can vary greatly depending on the size and weight of the items. Finding Ways to Minimize Shipping Costs We choose the best shipping company and method based on the items you purchased to keep the shipping cost as low...

  Discovering the Heart of Jasmine Tea in Hengzhou I’m Jicky, from Shiha Teapot Shop, who has traveled extensively to tea-producing regions across China. Among all the places I’ve visited, the jasmine market and witnessing the production process remain the most memorable experiences. This time, I introduce behind every cup of aromatic jasmine tea. It is a blend of traditional techniques, immense effort, and countless flower buds. Seeing this process firsthand has become a lifelong treasure for me. I highly encourage everyone to visit Hengzhou and experience this incredible journey for themselves. Hengzhou is located in Guangxi Province and known...

Enhance Tea Flavor with Less Water When brewing Japanese green tea leaves in a teapot, using a smaller amount of water generally results in better-tasting tea. For example, using 5 grams of tea leaves with 200 ml of water (or less) improves the flavor, and using 150 ml or 100 ml makes it even better. With less water, the tea becomes more concentrated with the same amount of tea leaves. The Impact of Concentration on Flavor This means that each sip contains a higher concentration of tea components, which enhances the flavor. The aroma and depth of taste become richer...

  Shiha participated in the Spring Equinox Tea Party at the Chinese Embassy in Tokyo on March 20, 2024, as a tea guide. It was also to celebrate International Women's Day. Mrs. Yuko Kishida, Mr. Yukio Hatoyama and other Japanese Diet members, as well as female ambassadors of various countries, about 300 people attended the reception.  Photo: Dafu NewsChinese tea were served to them.Four kinds of Chinese teas were served to the guests. Those tea were selected becuase of good for health in spring time. Aged White tea (Bai Mu Dan) from 2014 Fresh Green Tea ( Long Jing ) from...

Hello We are SHIHA TEAPOT SHOP. Hope you are having good teatime. This is How to Brew Japanese Green Tea with HOUHIN and SHIBORIDASHI, The tip of brewing are also added to the end. Please check and enjoy. SHIHA TEAPOT SHOP https://shihateapot.com Prepare Shiboridashi (or HOUHIN) , Yuzamashi (water coolling ware), small cups.Shiboridashi (and HOUHIN) are used to brew Gyokuro or Sencha with rich umami.Extract thick and pure umami, and enjoy small amount. Even a small amount, rich flavor and texture with long aftertaste will give you special experience. This is purose of the brewing in this way. Gyokuro or Sencha...

Contents ▶ SHIHA TEAPOT and SUZUYAKI▶ Earthquake hit SUZU at Noto Peninsula ▶ Works of Shinohara Takashi / About Suzuyaki ▶ Repeated Earthquakes and Recovery 2022-2024▶ Support and Donation ▶ Earthquake News in Official Media -------------------- SHIHA TEAPOT and SUZUYAKI We have been delivered the beautiful works of Suzuyaki Artist - Shinohara Takashi to many customers in the world. This is previous news from last earthquake, under reconstruction of Suzuyaki kiln.https://shihateapot.com/blogs/news/japan-suzu-kiln-re-construction-from-earthquake Earthquake hit SUZU at Noto Peninsula  A massive Earthquake hit SUZU at Noto peninsula of Japan again on January 1st of 2024. Tragically, Shinohara Takashi's newly kiln collapsed due to the earthquake. The kiln had just been rebuilt...

 A video about the art of Japanese teapot (kyusu) is available on YouTube. We will gradually post a compilation of works created over the past approximately 1~50 years by each artist, focusing on Tokoname-yaki teapots. Each artist pursues not only functionality but also beauty and creates unique works. [YouTube] The Art of Japanese Teapot  

An authentic yet casual tea ceremony room with carefully selected matcha and wagashi of the season (Japanese sweets). The owner, who has long experience in tea ceremony, prepares tea by herself and serves to guests. If you do not know how to drink matcha in Japanese ceremony manner, you can ask the owner. She will tell you how to hold tea bowl and when to eat sweets etc. You can seat on a chair or on Tatami, as you like. Japaneses black tea and some other tea are also served. The place brings a joy and peace to your mind. Wacha Tea...

Reiko's  (Koie Hiroshi) teapots are being exhibited in the most luxurious cruise ship in Japan.   Asuka's company, Nihon Yusen’s message as follows. <Providing Inspiring Experience>Japanese traditional culture.Asuka Cruises has collaborated with the Japan Crafts Association, an organization of traditional craft artists led by holders of Important Intangible Cultural Properties (living national treasures).The works of these artists, including living national treasures, are displayed on board the Asuka II. Passengers can view the works up close and personal. The creation of a place where guests can encounter supreme beauty will lead to the inheritance and development of traditional Japanese culture.Asuka Cruises will continue to...

Takashi Shinohara's kiln was destroyed in the earthquake that struck Suzu in May of this year. With the support of many people, he started rebuilding the kiln. Removed and cleaned each bricks of the damaged kiln first over a month. The re-construction work that started in August has been reached this much so far (photo) . The wooden frame for the ceiling has been completed, and today we will start laying the bricks for the ceiling arch. This kiln has a new design and structure. He would like to make his kiln reconstruction work even more meaningful. Takashi Shinohara gathered...

Do you sometimes see tiny silver hairs on the surface of green tea in a cup?This hair is called "毛茸 Mouji" in Japanese. It is trichome in English. The other day, I watched tea leaves under a microscope.These are the photos taken with the microscope and share in this blog. The tea leaves were picked in the spring, then steamed and frozen. Rolling and drying has not be done. (Tea leaves for making green tea)  毛茸 Mouji (trichome )There are mouji on the underside of the tea leaves. Young (soft) leaves have more of mouji. As the leaves grow, mouji harden and fall off the leaves....

Hidasuki is orange soft lines made on pottery using rice straw for decoration of pottery. It is old technique of pottery decoration. Some of teapot artists make hidasuki teapots. Mizuno Yokei Hidasuki Mogake Teapot https://shihateapot.com/products/yokei-yk02  

There are two major types of tea ware (tea utensils) in Japan. One is for drinking matcha  and the other is for drinking green tea (leaf tea). These two kind of tea ware are generally not shared and are classified as different things. They have different origins and development each other. The tea ware in the photo are used for brewing leaf tea. Since the tea leaves produced in Japan is mainly green tea, many traditional tea ware for leaf tea are made for green tea brewing, but of course they can also be used for other types of tea (white...

(Photos in this page are from Ishikawa Television ) We would like to inform you all the current status of Suzuyaki artist Shinohara Takashi Kiln Reconstruction as of end of June, 2023 The demolition work of the kiln has been completed for the reconstruction of the kiln. 2500 bricks of the kiln have been removed. Shinohara's friend, an actress, Ms. Tokiwa Takako also participated in the work. (The link below is a video of the work.) Reconstruction of the kiln will start soon. Suzuyaki Artist Shinohara Takashi Kiln Recovery Status (Video news) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kJC6uLhAb9c (Ishikawa Television) Last news　(About Earthquake) Earthquake Destroyed SUZU Kiln Again...

In 2023 spring, Ito Seiji (Jinshu) received The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Silver Rays from the government for his long year contribution to the Japan’s traditional art craft. （About Medal of Honor）The purpose of this award is for the government to recognize those who have made meritorious contributions to the nation and the public.People who have done important work for society and for many people, people who have worked diligently for many years to do important if unobtrusive work, people who have done their best to help others - there is a system in place to shine a light on...

Is the feel of drinking tea alone the same as drinking tea with two people?It is different for me. Drinking tea alone goes deep into my mind, releases tension, and frees my thoughts. My mind is in a different world.When two people drink tea together, it is as if the two of us are together in the flow that the tea brings. It is a time when two hearts resonate and overflow with joy.The tea,  teapot, and cup create this sacred time and joyful time.This is my experience with Japanese green tea. How about you? Shiha   Japanese Green Tea...