Invest in yourself and your tea career by attending the 2015 World Tea Expo Conference and Tradeshow May 6-8 in Long Beach, California.
On March 11 Japan solemnly recalled the 2011 devastation of the 9.0 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami whose scars remain on the tea community.
“There are still so many people in Northeast Japan who are displaced and affected by the earthquake and tsunami of 2011,” writes Tatsuo Tomeoka of Charaku Fine Japanese Tea in Seattle.
A Soma-yaki tea bowl from Fukushima Prefecture. The centuries old pottery industry in the Tohoku region has been pretty much dismantled.
The Smile for Japan! fundraiser was held Mar. 8 to draw attention to the plight of those who lost their friends and family and business in tea. Highlights include shamisen music by Kumiya Fujimoto from Tokyo, and a Buddhist blessing from Rev. Imanaka of Seattle Koyasan Temple, said Tomeoka. Visit Facebook for a review.
Proceeds from this year’s performances were donated to the Kamaishi Support Center NOZOMI located in Iwate Prefecture.
“The center runs a tea salon to comfort many of the older displaced residents,” explains Tomeoka who praised the efforts of artists Yuko Tanaka and Amy McCaleb and musician Miho Takekawa who organized the event.
The final tally has not been made but a silent auction and donations amounted to several thousand dollars. The NOZOMI center, established by Yuji Ebihara in October 2013, provides emotional and psychological support for those who have experienced an enduring loss and isolation due to relocating.
Many have lost everything in the disaster and have no way of getting out of this situation,” writes Ebihara. “With the passing of years, many volunteer organizations have disbanded, leaving these people with a lack of much needed help. NOZOMI is the last one left,” he said.
The proceeds from the 2013 Smiles for Japan event were donated to the Smile Ambassadors Program, to support children experiencing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Charaku Tea will donate 10% of its loose leaf sales through May 11.
Sources: Smile For Japan, Hands On Tokoyo
Many have lost everything in the disaster and have no way of getting out of this situation,” writes Ebihara. “With the passing of years, many volunteer organizations have disbanded, leaving these people with a lack of much needed help. NOZOMI is the last one left,” he said.
The proceeds from the 2013 Smiles for Japan event were donated to the Smile Ambassadors Program, to support children experiencing PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder).
Charaku Tea will donate 10% of its loose leaf sales through May 11.
Sources: Smile For Japan, Hands On Tokoyo