Green Tea Day

What Is Green Tea Day?

Every year on May 2nd (in non-leap years) is "Green Tea Day," established by the Central Council for the Japanese Tea Industry. The date corresponds to "hachijuhachiya," the 88th day after the start of spring (risshun) in the traditional calendar -- long considered the peak of tea-picking season. According to tradition, drinking new tea picked on this day brings good health for the whole year. It's a day to savor "shincha" (new tea), packed with nutrients stored up over winter, and to deepen appreciation for Japan's traditional tea culture and health practices.

The Historical Facts Behind Hachijuhachiya and Tea Culture

Tea has developed as far more than a beverage -- it's deeply tied to Japanese spirituality and the changing seasons.

• The significance of "88": The kanji for "88" can be combined to form the character for "rice" (米). In agriculture, this time of year marks an important milestone when frost stops falling and rice seedbeds are prepared, and it has long been a time to give thanks to the gods of harvest and pray for a bountiful crop.
• Eisai and the "Kissa Yojoki": In the Kamakura period, the monk Eisai brought tea back from China and wrote Japan's first specialized book on tea, the "Kissa Yojoki" (Drinking Tea for Health). As the book states, "tea is the elixir of health," and tea was originally prized as an aid to meditation and as "medicine."

The Science of Catechins and Theanine

Green tea is a scientifically rare beverage that produces two opposite states -- alertness and relaxation -- at the same time.

• Theanine's relaxing effect: Theanine, an amino acid unique to green tea, increases alpha waves in the brain and helps relax the mind and body. New tea (first-flush tea) contains more theanine than later harvests, which is the source of its sweetness and umami.
• The powerful antioxidant power of catechins: Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG), a type of polyphenol, has antioxidant power dozens of times stronger than vitamin C. This has been scientifically shown to remove free radicals in the body and boost immunity and antiviral effects.

Interesting Facts About Green Tea

• The "mirui" taste of new tea: "Mirui" is a Shizuoka dialect word meaning "soft and young." The buds of new tea are very tender, giving it a fresh aroma and crisp bitterness unique to this season.
• Is it all the same tea plant?: Sencha, hojicha, oolong tea, and black tea are all made from the same plant -- Camellia sinensis. The differences in flavor come from the degree of fermentation and processing methods.
• The science of "tea stems standing upright": When a tea stem passes through the strainer and stands upright in the cup, it's traditionally considered good luck (a custom some say was promoted by tea merchants to sell stem-containing tea), but physically it's also a sign the tea's components are evenly extracted.
• The luxury of ice-brewed tea: Brewing tea slowly with only ice suppresses the bitter catechins while drawing out the sweet theanine -- a scientific extraction method that lets you enjoy tea's sweetness at its most luxurious.
• Catechins' deodorizing effect: The flavonoids in green tea have a strong deodorizing effect. Drying used tea leaves and placing them in shoe cabinets or using them for cleaning is a piece of practical wisdom rooted in this property.

Tips for Spending Green Tea Day

• To mark "May 2nd, Green Tea Day," pick up this year's new tea. Brewing it carefully in a teapot is a moment of mindfulness that resets the busyness of the new fiscal year -- breathe in the fresh, green aroma and take in the vitality of spring with all your senses.
• Try pairing green tea with sweets. Traditional Japanese sweets like yokan are classic, but green tea's bitterness also pairs surprisingly well with chocolate or cheese. Discovering your own "perfect pairing" can be a satisfying, curiosity-driven treat.
• Make "tea gargling" a habit. Taking advantage of catechins' antibacterial properties, gargling with green tea after coming home can help support your health during seasonal transitions.
• Give someone special some "shincha" (new tea) along with the message that "drinking hachijuhachiya tea brings a long life." Sharing tea is a warm way to express care for someone's health and strengthen your bond.

The Fragrance of Young Leaves Dancing in the Teapot Will Gently Ease Your Fatigue, and a Clear Amber Cup Will Light a Quiet Passion in Your Heart

May 2nd is a day to savor "green tea" -- one of the earth's finest gifts -- and take time to care for yourself. Just as new tea sprouts fresh and vibrant after surviving the harsh winter, you too have stored up your efforts and are now ready to bloom in your own way in a new environment. Pausing to brew a cup of tea amid a busy day -- that moment of quiet can help organize your thoughts and give you the flexible strength to take your next step. The comfort that a cup of tea brings will soothe your heart and spread warmth to those around you. Take in the energy of fresh greenery with all your senses, and start May feeling refreshed.