Hills Workshop for Kids: Becoming a Tea Merchant for a Day!
Hills Workshop for Kids: Becoming a Tea Merchant for a Day!
On August 4th, we hosted a special children’s workshop at the Azabudai Hills Kamiyacho Station Plaza: “Let’s Become a Tea Merchant!”
Our mission was to give children a fun, immersive introduction to the world of Japanese tea. Through three key steps — tea inspection, tea blending, and product creation — the young participants learned what it takes to work at a tea shop.
Step 1: Tea Inspection (Haiken)
We began by introducing five types of tea: sencha, gyokuro, tencha, kukicha, and genmaicha.
Children examined both the appearance and aroma of the leaves using a special haiken-bon (inspection tray) printed with our original Maruto logo, made just for this event.
For many, it was their first time touching tea leaves. Some were hesitant at first, gently reaching out to feel the texture. When they smelled the gyokuro and tencha, several exclaimed, “It smells like seaweed!” — eyes wide with surprise.
Step 2: Tea Blending (Gogumi)
Next, we moved on to tasting. Participants sampled each of the five teas, taking notes on their unique flavors and aromas. They even used colored pencils to match the water color of each tea — layering shades to create the perfect match.
Then came the hands-on blending. Using real tea merchant tools and packaging, the children measured 20 grams of tea, carefully mixing all five types to create their very own blend — a one-of-a-kind tea, never to be replicated.
Step 3: Product Creation
With their blend complete, each child gave it a name and designed a package illustration.
Some combined the initials of their teas into names like “Sen-Gyo-Ten-Kuki-Gen Cha”, while others drew inspiration from their favorite anime. Each creation was truly unique — and proudly theirs.
What They Learned
How different teas can have entirely different tastes (sencha felt familiar, while tencha and genmaicha were unexpected favorites for many).
That tencha is the base tea used to make matcha.
How tea leaves release completely different colors when steeped.
Several children shared, “I can’t wait to drink tea at home now!”
Parents’ Voices
“It was an incredibly rich experience for just one hour. The kids learned while having fun.”
“We drink tea at home often, so being able to create their own blend was exciting for them — and for us parents too.”
“I never knew tea merchants did this kind of work. I’m intrigued!”
We hope to further improve this program and expand it to other stores and regions.
We look forward to the next opportunity.