Japanese Tea: The History, Benefits, and Hachiju Hachiya Harvest

When people think of Japanese tea, they often imagine matcha or sencha, but there are actually many different types. One key event in Japanese tea production is “Hachiju Hachiya,” a special time associated with tea harvesting.

This article explores the connection between Hachiju Hachiya and Japanese tea, the history of Japanese tea, its health benefits, and the characteristics of different types of Japanese tea.

What is Hachiju Hachiya? Its Connection to Japanese Tea

Hachiju Hachiya is a term from the traditional Japanese calendar, referring to the 88th day after Risshun (the beginning of spring, around February 4). This falls around May 2 each year, marking the peak season for harvesting fresh tea leaves.

Tea picked on this day is known as “Hachiju Hachiya-picked tea” and is considered especially auspicious. Freshly harvested tea contains a high concentration of catechins and theanine, giving it a unique aroma and rich flavor.

Many tea-producing regions in Japan hold special events during Hachiju Hachiya, where women dressed in traditional kasuri kimono, known as “tea-picking girls,” participate in the harvest. These events celebrate the tradition and bring attention to the freshness of new tea.

Its lyrics evoke the refreshing season of the eighty-eighth night, making it a charming piece.
Many elementary schools teach this song to their students.

The History of Japanese Tea

The history of Japanese tea dates back to the Asuka period when envoys brought tea from China. However, tea cultivation in Japan became more widespread during the Kamakura period. Zen priest Eisai played a significant role in promoting tea cultivation and spreading tea-drinking habits.

During the Muromachi period, matcha became popular among aristocrats and samurai, leading to the development of the Japanese tea ceremony. In the Edo period, sencha became widely consumed by the public, and tea cultivation spread across the country.

Health Benefits of Japanese Tea

Japanese green tea is rich in health-boosting compounds:

Catechins	Powerful antioxidants that help prevent arteriosclerosis, cancer, and high blood pressure.
Tannins	Provide antibacterial and detoxifying effects.
Caffeine	Enhances alertness and stimulates brain activity.
Theanine	It has a relaxing effect and helps regulate blood pressure.
Vitamin C	Supports immunity and promotes healthy skin.

Types and Characteristics of Japanese Tea

Gyokuro

Production	Grown in the shade to avoid direct sunlight, then steamed and dried.
Features	Rich sweetness and mild flavor, considered the highest-grade Japanese tea.
Famous region	Yame in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Matcha

Production	Grown in the shade, steamed, dried without rolling, then ground into fine powder.
Features	Used in tea ceremonies, it has a deep umami flavor, and is highly nutritious.

Sencha

Production	Steamed, rolled, and dried into needle-like shapes.
Features	Refreshing aroma, balanced bitterness, and umami; high in vitamin C.

Bancha

Production	Made from more mature leaves harvested in mid-June or later.
Features	Everyday tea with mild flavor and low caffeine content.

Hojicha

Production	Roasted bancha leaves until they turn brown.
Features	It has a roasted aroma and smooth taste; low in caffeine, making it suitable for patients in hospitals and nighttime drinking.

Konacha (Powder Tea)

Production	Fine tea particles collected during gyokuro or sencha production.
Features	Strong flavor, commonly served in sushi restaurants as “agari.”

Kukicha (Stem Tea)

Production	Made from the stems and stalks removed from sencha or gyokuro.
Features	Fresh, light flavor with a crisp aftertaste.

Genmaicha (Brown Rice Tea)

Production	Blended with roasted brown rice.
Features	It has a toasty aroma and light flavor.

Mecha (Bud Tea)

Production	Made from the young buds of new tea leaves.
Features	Rich umami with a strong, concentrated flavor.

Japanese Tea master Sen no Rikyu appears in the game Nioh2

In the game Nioh 2, the tea master Sen no Rikyū makes an appearance. He mastered the art of the tea ceremony under the guidance of Takeno Jōō, who developed wabi-cha.

Serving two rulers of Japan, Oda Nobunaga and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, through the practice of the tea ceremony, Sen no Rikyū also holds tea gatherings in Nioh 2.

Final Thoughts : Enjoy Japanese Tea rich flavours

Japanese tea and Hachiju Hachiya share a deep connection, with tea harvested on this day considered particularly auspicious. Japanese tea has a long history dating back to the Kamakura period and remains popular today. Rich in health benefits, each type of Japanese tea offers unique flavors and characteristics.

Discover your favorite type of Japanese tea and enjoy its rich culture and taste!