Stories of Japanese Tea: The Regions, the Growers, and the Craft

by Zach Mangan

Explore the artistry of Japanese tea from cultivation to cup in this comprehensive illustrated guide to the tea industry that includes the Japanese growers, their craft of tea making, and how the tradition of tea has had an influence on cuisine, art, and health.

This visual exploration of one of the world's most popular beverages tells the stories of tea and tea making in how it is grown, harvested, and processed, as well as how it is prepared and enjoyed. Through interviews with tea growers, information on health benefits from Dr. Andrew Weil, and amazing recipes from (Japanese chefs and mixologists), including Michelin-starred chef Hayashi Hirohisa and pastry chef Yoshie Shirakawa, you will discover all there is to know about Japanese tea.

This perfect gift for tea lovers shares the stories of tea from its origins to the present, packaged in a beautiful photographic book shot and compiled by Zach Mangan, the founder of Kettl, a New York City- and Fukuoka, Japan-based tea and teaware company.

Genres: Tea, Nonfiction, Japan, Japanese Literature

208 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2022

Reviews

[Zuzozuo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun to read. Detailed, comprehensive guide on Japanese teas. Loved additional interviews with tea farm owners. It reaffirmed my conviction that tea cultivation in Japan is more than simple work, it is an art form that demands precision and care.

[Moneeko · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable read with wonderful stories, history, recipes, and more. A well-rounded book for a novice, like myself, taking the first plunge into the complex world of japanese teas.

[julie | eggmama]

I, too, was skeptical of a book about Japanese tea written by a white man, but a dear friend (and avid and knowledgeable tea drinker) gifted this to me and said it was good. And they were right! Mangan never comes across as condescending or know-it-all towards Japanese tea/culture or the reader. All I felt was a genuine love for tea and a desire to share good tea with more people in the world. I learned so much! And after reading this, I've realized I only had Good tea maybe once in my life. Now I want to try a tea tasting and develop my palate more. I'd also really like to try high-grade matcha and gyokuro! And make some iced tea with cold brewing. Of course, these are more expensive, and as I drink a matcha latte nearly every morning, I can't afford the best stuff, but it will be a treat once in a while. And it's cool just to know that it's out there. Yay, tea!

[Martin Doudoroff · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author runs an excellent business importing and selling Japanese tea (I am a longstanding customer) and so this book must be considered as part of the genre of vested interest literature, but this example is really pretty good! Like many Japanese things from the United States vantage, Japanese tea is distant and esoteric. Zach thoroughly demystifies it in this book, and does so in an efficient, engaging manner. I’ve been a regular drinker of Japanese teas for nearly twenty years, and I learned a lot I did not know. And I think that summarizes the audience: those already won over by sencha or macha or houjicha, and are ready to finally learn about what they’re drinking.

[Vince · Rating 5 out of 5]

With my new passion for Japanese green tea, I needed much more information on the different regions to hone my palate and understanding. Coming from a farming family in California, I really appreciated the interviews with the owners/farmers and their perspective on soil, fertilizer, and weather. Nicely written for a global overview. Now I can use this book as a springboard to more specific books! Thank you for all your hard work, suggestions and awards you deserve.

[Agnes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I highly recommend this book for anyone who wants to learn about tea! This book was informative without being overwhelming and addressed so many of the questions I had as a casual tea lover. It was also a pleasant read; the language was clear and easy to follow and the feel of the pages and pictures also made it enjoyable to hold and flip through.

[Rowan McCollum · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable and concise introduction to the world of Japanese tea. Mangan's passion comes through with simplicity, and as someone not very familiar with Japanese tea he never lost me with jargon or unfamiliar terms. For anyone that wants to explore the world of tea I'd highly recommend this as a great starting place!

[Benjamin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended for lovers of tea.

[Emily Hong · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book from my favorite matcha bar in Brooklyn -Kettl! Love it so much.

[Alexis Deller · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s wonderful, accessible, detailed book on Japanese green tea. Highly recommend it.

[Arun Sharma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A useful Western perspective on Japanese Tea, discussing its history, growth, diversity, and people.

[Teacatweaves · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great and useful information - definitely a book to keep as a reference. Can’t wait to try the houjicha cookie recipe!

[Stefien · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for anyone that loves Japanese green tea and wants to learn more about the regions, the different types of tea available as well as some recipes! Easy read, thoroughly enjoyed it?

[Meghan Luick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was gifted this book since I’m going on a trip to Japan and to be honest I didn’t really expect a whole lot. I enjoy tea and have hopped on the matcha trend, but wasn’t sure exactly how an entire book could be written about it…. Wow was I wrong!!!!!! Not only was there so much to learn, but I found the format of the book and its writing style captivating. I finished it in just two days! I loved reading the interviews with farmers, teapot makers, etc. because it really made the book an intimate experience of the history while sharing the intricacies of Japanese tea. I’ve learned so much and feel like I still have a whole lot more to learn. I look forward to my trip and visiting some of the recommended tea shops and may even try to make a trip to Uji if time permits. I absolutely loved this book and have already been sharing fun facts I learned such as the skills required of a chashi, I’m in awe!