We were so happy to welcome Tomoko Imade Dyen to TOIRO for a very special seasonal tea experience, dedicated entirely to shincha — Japan's first harvest green tea.
Tomoko guided us through the world of shincha with warmth and deep expertise, sharing her journey traveling the tea farms of Japan and the story behind this rare, once-a-year harvest. As someone who has devoted herself to the study and curation of Japanese tea, Tomoko has a beautiful way of making even the most nuanced details feel accessible and alive.
The afternoon included a tasting of shincha served three ways — cold brew, warm brew, and roasted — each revealing a completely different dimension of the same tea. It was a wonderful reminder of how much there is to discover in a single cup.
Tomoko also taught us how to enjoy eating tea, which we experienced alongside freshly made donabe rice — a simple and deeply satisfying way to appreciate every part of the harvest.
Events like this are exactly what we love about TOIRO — bringing people together through Japanese food culture, craft, and the kind of quiet discovery that only comes from slowing down and paying attention.
Thank you to Tomoko and to all the tea lovers who joined us for both sessions. We hope to see you again soon.
Happy Donabe Life!
Naoko
