sakura1

Sakura Saku: A Poetic Tradition in Japan

In Japan, the new school year begins in April, and March is a crucial time for students awaiting college entrance exam results.

Before the internet and widespread telephones, a special telegram service was used to notify students who lived far from exam centers.

What made this service unique was its poetic wording. Successful students received a telegram saying “サクラサク” (Sakura Saku)—”The cherry blossoms are blooming,” symbolizing success and new beginnings. Those who didn’t pass received “サクラチル” (Sakura Chiru)—”The cherry blossoms are falling,” a gentle way to deliver disappointment.

This tradition reflects Japan’s deep appreciation for nature and symbolism. The cherry blossom, representing both fleeting beauty and renewal, is woven into daily life, even in something as practical as test results.

While modern technology has replaced telegrams, the phrase Sakura Saku remains familiar, reminding us how Japan blends poetry and tradition with everyday experiences.

ginger hojicha

Hojicha with Ginger

When you feel not well, a warm cup of hojicha is good comfort. This roasted green tea has toasty and smooth flavor with low caffeine, so it is good for relaxing. But do you know adding ginger slices to hojicha make it even more soothing?

Ginger is known for warming the body and used in traditional remedies for many years. It is believed to help circulation, digestion, and make cold symptoms better. When you put fresh ginger in hojicha, it adds gentle spice that matches the roasted tea taste, making a cozy and refreshing drink.

For more comfort, put few drops of honey. Honey makes flavor sweet and also good for throat and gives small energy boost.

To make, just steep hojicha like normal, then add few thin slices of fresh ginger in your cup. Let it sit for few minutes so ginger taste comes out. If you like, add honey and stir.

This easy and effective drink makes you feel warm and good, especially when you have cold or need extra comfort. Stay warm and take care!

yuzu sencha with yuzu

Winter Solstice!

On this special day, we add yuzu to the bath water in Japan. Taking a yuzu bath on the winter solstice is a tradition symbolizing purification before welcoming good fortune. Yuzu, a fragrant citrus in season during winter, was believed to ward off evil spirits with its strong aroma. Additionally, since it takes years for yuzu to bear fruit, this practice embodies the hope that perseverance will bring rewards.

Celebrate the winter solstice with warmth and positivity—and a cup of Jugetsudo Yuzu Sencha!

Matcha Duo

New! Matcha Duo

Enjoy two delightful flavors of matcha in an easy-to-use stick format—just add hot or cold water! Made with carefully cultivated matcha, it offers a gentle, natural taste. Perfect not only as a drink but also for sprinkling over yogurt, ice cream, and more.
8 sticks (4 sticks each)
Add ½ cup water to 1 stick and mix well.

Matcha Duo
Matcha Duo

Join Us at the NW Tea Festival!

We are excited to announce our participation in the Northwest Tea Festival on September 28-29 at the Seattle Center! If you’re in the area, we invite you to stop by and enjoy a taste of our authentic Japanese green teas. It is a great opportunity to explore the world of tea and connect with fellow tea enthusiasts.

Get your tickets here: https://nwteafestival.org.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Organic Momo Sencha

Experience the perfect blend of flavors with our Peach Sencha!

Subtle combination of the pleasant taste of sencha green tea with the sweetness of peach and the fresh aroma of mint. This tea offers a fruity and refreshing flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.

Indulge in the delightful harmony of nature’s finest ingredients and elevate your tea time with Peach Sencha.

Assortment of Fundamental Teas

Oseibo -Japanese Gift Giving Tradition

“Oseibo,” a cherished Japanese tradition marking the end of the year, involves the gifting of tokens of appreciation to express gratitude for the recipient’s kindness throughout the year and to extend wishes for a continued positive relationship in the coming year. This meaningful gesture not only communicates appreciation but also doubles as a heartfelt New Year’s greeting. While there are no strict rules regarding the recipients of Oseibo, it is commonly given to those who have been supportive, including supervisors, teachers, parents, and relatives. It symbolizes enduring gratitude and the anticipation of ongoing positive connections in the future.

The timing for sending Oseibo may slightly vary depending on the region, but generally falls between early December and around the 20th.

Oseibo gifts typically consist of “Kiemono,” or consumable items, rather than decorative interior items. Everyday essentials such as tea and coffee, as well as gourmet foods and confections, are popular choices.

This holiday season, Jugetsudo presents an assortment box featuring our fundamental teas: Organic Sencha, Genmaicha, and Hojicha. This box makes for the perfect Oseibo gift. Why not express your gratitude by gifting Oseibo to someone special in your life?

NW Tea Festival 2023

Northwest Tea Festival

We are delighted to share some wonderful news! Northwest Tea Festival is making a long-waited comeback after a four-year break, which was caused by the challenges brought about by COVID-19, and Jugetsudo is participating in it! The past few years have been a test of resilience for everyone, but we are incredibly excited to once again connect with fellow tea lovers and rekindle our passion for the world of tea! See you guys there!

10 AM – 6 PM Saturday, September 23rd
10 AM – 4 PM Sunday, September 24th
Exhibition Hall at Seattle Center,
301 Mercer St, Seattle WA 98109

https://www.nwteafestival.com

TeaFestPDX

Tea Fest PDX 2023!

Jugetsudo USA is participating in the TeaFestPDX on Saturday, July 15th!

9:30 AM – 6:30 PM, Saturday, July 15th
World Forestry Center
4033 SW Canyon Rd, Portland, OR 97221

Let’s have fun!

TeaFestPDX

Our Teabags are Now Decomposable

Our Teabags are now Decomposable!

We’re thrilled to announce that we have made a positive change for the environment! All Jugetsudo 2g teabags are now decomposable, taking a huge step towards reducing our ecological footprint.

By utilizing innovative technology and sustainable materials, we have transformed our teabags into an eco-friendly alternative. They are made from plant-based fibers that naturally break down over time, ensuring they won’t contribute to plastic waste.

This means that every time you enjoy a cup of our delicious tea, you can also feel good about making a greener choice. Together, we can make a difference by choosing sustainable options that protect our planet for future generations.

Remember, small changes can lead to big results. Together, let’s sip our way towards a more sustainable future!