People of Tea

In this episode, George sits down with Takahiro Yagi, sixth-generation tea caddy maker at Kaikado. They explore 150 years of craftsmanship, human connection, and Kaikado’s journey from Kyoto to the world. From his love of Lishan black tea to reimagining caddies for outer space, Takahiro’s insights reveal how objects—and traditions—can grow more beautiful over time.

In this episode, George speaks with Marjolein Raijmakers, a tea professional from the Netherlands who first encountered Japanese tea during a university exchange in Kyoto. After returning to Japan as an intern at Obubu Tea Farms, she stayed on to support tours and tea education in Wazuka. Their conversation covers everyday work in the tea fields, sharing tea across languages, and how calm, thoughtful hospitality creates meaningful connection.

In this episode, George sits down with Kanji Nakata, a former schoolteacher turned tea farmer in Kamikatsu, Tokushima. They explore Kanji’s journey from growing up near Uji’s tea fields to discovering Awabancha—a rare, fermented Japanese tea that changed his life. From deep dives into brewing styles and food pairings to reflections on sustainability, community, and creativity, this conversation blends tea wisdom with personal philosophy. Tune in for a story as rich and layered as the tea itself.

In this episode, George speaks with Pau Valverde Molina on his journey from coffee roaster in Catalonia to tea intern in Japan. Pau shares how curiosity, experimentation, and a belief that “tea is freedom” shaped his path across brewing cultures, countries, and disciplines. From Matcha to Rice Cultivars, stoicism to fermentation, Pau’s open-minded approach reveals a world where learning never stops, and brewing tea is a quiet act of intention.

In this episode, George sits down with Sarah Mazza on her last day at Obubu Tea Farm. From her childhood tea memories in Italy to anthropological research during her master’s degree, Sarah shares how tea became a thread connecting her studies, friendships, and personal growth. With reflections on Japanese tea, Tokoname teapots, and the philosophy that “tea is freedom,” this episode is a heartfelt and curious exploration of tea’s power to evoke memory, community, and change.

In this episode, George chats with Kirstine Michaelsen (Kia), previously the manager of a Japanese tea house in Copenhagen. From her fascination with wagashi to her deep love of hojicha, Kia shares how a university exchange in Kyoto reshaped her path toward tea. The conversation dives into the sensory joys of tea, the challenges of educating new tea drinkers, and the small moments that make sharing a brew so special. Join us for a cuppa and savour the warmth of tea and its global connections!

In this episode, George sits down with Jean, previously an assistant manager at Kyoto Obubu Tea Farms, to explore the adventures on his journey through the world of tea. From his French upbringing sipping jasmine tea to immersive experiences in Japanese and Nepali tea cultures, Jean shares his evolving preferences, brewing philosophies, and passion for connecting with others through tea. Join us for a cuppa to discover how a simple cup of tea can open doors to rich traditions, personal growth, and global connections!