Ocha Nouveau
food and drinks, culture, Japanese Crafts Pete Barkey food and drinks, culture, Japanese Crafts Pete Barkey

Ocha Nouveau

Spring brings an exciting time for green tea lovers—shincha season! Shincha (新茶), meaning “new tea,” is the first flush of Japanese green tea, handpicked in early spring and celebrated for its delicate flavor, enticing aroma, and invigorating freshness. Unlike other green teas, shincha is lightly processed, capturing the essence of the season in every sip. Available for a limited time, this fleeting treasure is cherished in Japan and beyond. If you’re lucky enough to find shincha near you, don’t miss the chance to savor this once-a-year delight!

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Happy Girl's Day!

Happy Girl's Day!

🌸 HAPPY GIRL'S DAY! 🌸

March 3 marks the annual celebration of a more than one thousand year old Japanese tradition known as Hinamatsuri (雛祭り Hina-matsuri). This day is also called “Girl’s Day”, “Doll Festival”, and “Momo no Sekku”, which celebrates the blossoming of peach trees in early March. Peach blossoms are thought to ward off evil and bring good fortune to young girls. Dolls and peach blossoms are essential parts of Hinamatsuri.

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