A Story Unfolding from a Cup of Tea: Hiromi Wada’s Journey of Learning, Healing, and Connection
From Japanese tea ceremonies to global tea journeys, Hiromi Wada welcomes us into a world where tea serves as a bridge connecting people, cultures, and hearts.
Hiromi Wada
Leader, Japanese Tea Instructor, NPO Japan Tea Instructor Association
Board Member, NPO Japan Tea Club (Gendai Kissajin no Kai)
Herbal Therapist, Japan Medical Herb Association
Instructor, Omotesenke School of Tea Ceremony
Could you introduce the Japan Tea Club?
The Japan Tea Club (NPO Gendai Kissajin no Kai) is a group composed of researchers, tea farmers, tea merchants, instructors of Japanese tea, black tea, and Chinese tea, as well as tea enthusiasts.
Aiming for the “new development of tea and tea culture,” we participate in various activities, including publishing a quarterly newsletter, hosting symposia, tea gatherings, and training trips. We provide a space where people can learn, share, and enjoy tea together, spending meaningful and enriching time with like-minded individuals. We warmly welcome participants from both Japan and abroad.
I organize events to showcase the charms of Japanese tea, providing experiences that blend seasonal enjoyment with culture, drawing from my travels related to tea.
So far, I’ve hosted classes at black tea schools, antique shops, temples, and various other venues to share the joy of tea.
This year, for instance, I was introduced by a friend to teach a tea culture introduction class (Gotemba) as part of the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association’s high school student study abroad program. I’ve also given requested lectures at antique shops, led tea-picking experience workshops, and organized events for the Japan Tea Club.
As for tea travels, I visited Darjeeling, India, for the first time in April, traveled to Korea in May, and plan to visit Shikoku in July.
“Travel the World Through Tea” was the first tea gathering I created from scratch since becoming a board member. This year marked the second time, and I prepared with even more care so both hosts and guests could enjoy it.
To my delight, many of those who joined last year reserved all five seats again this year. Having repeat guests was proof that they found value in last year’s event, and that has been an enormous encouragement. In the end, many told me, “It was so much fun,” “When is the next one?” or “Are there other tea gatherings?”—and I was reminded once again of tea’s power to bring people together.
One particularly memorable moment was when a participant, who joined via a Peatix listing without knowing about the Japan Tea Club, said, “I thought it was just a tea gathering to enjoy teas from around the world, but it was so much fun, I’d love to become a member.” I’m thankful for these unexpected new connections. I also received many positive comments from the hosts, saying, “I want to participate again next year.” These kind words are my greatest motivation. Moving forward, I plan to create an even more welcoming, enjoyable, and enriching tea gathering for next year.
My connection with tea is rooted in my family’s daily routine. Since I was young, we had a simple tea break at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on holidays, and through that, I naturally came to associate tea time with the comfort, healing, and mental refreshment it provides. In 2008, I learned about the Japanese Tea Instructor certification. Driven by a desire to study, I took the exam and obtained the qualification the following year. That moment became a significant turning point in my life. After qualifying, I visited tea-producing regions and had opportunities to experience the atmosphere, people, and culture of each place. Sharing these experiences with many people has become deeply meaningful for me. Now, tea is truly the core of my life. Through tea, I’ve met countless people, been supported, learned, and grown. I hope to continue creating spaces where people can connect through the power of tea.
Do you have any challenges or plans you want to pursue regarding tea in the future?In the past, I found joy in directly sharing the appeal of tea through classes, but over time, as I organized more tea gatherings, I began to feel that my proper role is in creating spaces where people can connect through tea. To spread tea culture, nurturing the next generation is essential. I’ve developed a desire to contribute, even modestly, toward that goal. To do so, I believe I need to keep learning, visiting places in Japan and abroad, and immersing myself in local cultures to better share the charm of tea with as many people as possible. I believe tea has the power to heal, bring harmony, and foster bonds between people.
