What happens when a 530-year-old Japanese craft meets a new generation of matcha enthusiasts?
This spring, more than 350 participants across the Bay Area and Portland joined us to find out.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who attended the events featuring 20th-generation Takayama Chasen Master Tango Tanimura, as well as those who followed the tour from afar and shared their encouragement and support.
The Story Behind the Tour
Since the founding of Nara Tea Co., we have proudly carried Takayama Chasen, the traditional bamboo tea whisks handcrafted in Takayama, Nara.
In April 2025, we had the rare opportunity to visit the workshop of Tango Tanimura, a 20th-generation chasen master whose tea whisks are supplied to the Grand Tea Masters of both the Urasenke and Mushakoji Senke schools.
There, we witnessed every step involved in creating a single chasen—from a piece of bamboo to a finished work of art.
What moved us most was not only the extraordinary level of hand craftsmanship, but the realization that this tradition has been passed down continuously for more than 530 years.
Today, only 16 families in Japan continue to preserve this craft.
The Beauty of Japanese Craftsmanship
Japan has a concept known as "Yo no Bi" 用の美 —the beauty found in objects that are both functional and beautiful.
A chasen embodies this philosophy perfectly.
Every detail is shaped by hand with incredible precision, patience, and care. What appears simple at first glance is the result of generations of refinement and dedication.
Behind every whisk lies a story of craftsmanship, discipline, and a commitment to excellence that has been preserved through centuries.
Why We Brought a Chasen Master to America
As matcha continues to grow in popularity throughout the United States, we felt an increasing responsibility to share something deeper than a trend.
While matcha has become widely recognized, the history, craftsmanship, and cultural values behind it are often overlooked—or sometimes misrepresented online.
We wanted to create an opportunity for people to meet the makers themselves.
Not through a screen.
Not through social media.
But face-to-face.
To hear the stories, see the craftsmanship firsthand, and experience the culture directly from someone who has dedicated his life to preserving it.
An Unforgettable Response
The response exceeded all expectations.
From long-time tea practitioners to those who simply enjoy a daily matcha latte, participants arrived with curiosity, enthusiasm, and thoughtful questions.
The workshops, demonstrations, and lectures sparked meaningful conversations about tea, culture, craftsmanship, and tradition.
Many participants told us they would never look at a chasen the same way again.
Mr. Tanimura himself was deeply touched by the warmth, respect, and genuine interest shown by attendees throughout the tour. He was especially surprised by how many people in America wanted to learn not only how matcha is prepared, but why these traditions continue to matter today.
Carrying the Tradition Forward
Matcha is not merely a beverage.
It is part of a cultural legacy that has been carefully preserved for generations.
The chasen is not simply a tool.
It represents centuries of knowledge, craftsmanship, and a spirit of dedication passed from master to successor.
If this tour helped even a small number of people connect with Japan's spirit of monozukuri ものづくり, appreciate the significance of a 530-year-old tradition, and understand the value of preserving knowledge through generations, then we consider it a tremendous success.
Thank you for helping us carry this story forward.
Nara Tea Co. remains committed to sharing authentic Japanese tea culture with sincerity, respect, and gratitude for generations to come.
