Hello everyone, I'm Keko, one of the online staff members. 😊
Did you know that Japan has a tradition called “Gosekku”—five seasonal festivals celebrated throughout the year?
One of these is “Tango no Sekku,” held on May 5th.
Today, it’s known nationwide as Children’s Day, a public holiday.
But originally, it was a day to celebrate and pray for the healthy growth and happiness of boys.
🎏 How We Celebrate
There are many customs associated with this day:
Koinobori (carp streamers) flutter outside homes, symbolizing strength and perseverance.
Families share traditional sweets like Kashiwa-mochi (rice cakes wrapped in oak leaves) and Chimaki (sweet rice dumplings).
And there’s the unique tradition of soaking in a Shobu-yu—a bath with iris leaves—believed to ward off illness.
All of these customs are part of a deeply rooted Japanese culture that wishes good health and happiness for children.
🍵 Tea and Family Moments
One of the most cherished aspects of Children’s Day is simply spending time together as a family.
For children, it’s a fun and festive day.
For adults, it’s a moment to pass down traditions and values to the next generation.
And quietly present in these family moments?
A comforting cup of Japanese tea.
At Nakamura Tokichi, we especially treasure the tradition of sharing “Shincha” (new tea) with family around this time.
Shincha is the very first tea of the season—freshly picked, vibrant, and incredibly fragrant.
Its refreshing taste is perfect for spring and often becomes a child’s very first sip of authentic Japanese tea.
Many people hold dear the memory of:
“The tea Grandma made.”
“Drinking tea with my family, paired with Kashiwa-mochi.”
These small but special moments stay in the heart for a lifetime.
🍃 Learning Through Tea
In Japan, drinking tea is not just about taste—it’s about learning.
How to hold the cup, how to pour the water, how to pause and enjoy the aroma.
Children watch, mimic, and quietly absorb these gestures.
That’s why Japanese tea naturally becomes part of a family’s rhythm—passed down gently from one generation to the next.
At Nakamura Tokichi, we hope to support these everyday family scenes through tea.
One family told us they have a tradition every year:
“On Children’s Day, we prepare Shincha and Japanese sweets, choose cups together with the kids, and enjoy a slow, peaceful afternoon as a family.”
💚 A Little Extra Special
Tea doesn’t have to be reserved for grand occasions.
It has a quiet way of making an ordinary day feel just a little bit special.
Children’s Day is a unique and beautiful tradition here in Japan.
And the tea that accompanies it becomes part of the family’s memory—something that carries quietly into the future. 🍵