Ishikawa prefectural governor

Originating in Asia, tea has become an integral part of daily life for people around the world. It has also served as a notable influence on our culture and art. Today, with increasing awareness of tea's beneficial qualities and cultural value, the worldwide interest in tea is on the rise. Against this backdrop, the World O-cha (tea) Festival will be held in Shizuoka Prefecture from October 5 to 8, under the theme "Exploring New Possibilities for Tea in the 21st Century." Incorporating a focus on tea in terms of culture, science and industry, the international festival will host a wide range of events. Visitors will be introduced to tea culture and customs from around the world, including "matcha" (powdered green tea) and "sencha" (green tea) of Japan. Seminars will be held to highlight the health benefits of tea and other recent scientific research. There will also be opportunities to sample and purchase various famous brands of tea, both Japanese and international. "This international event in Shizuoka will serve as an opportunity for us to convey to all the foreign visitors the positive qualities of green tea, such as its fine taste and health benefits, as well as its deep relation to Japanese culture," said Shizuoka Gov. Yoshinobu Ishikawa in an interview with The Japan Times. Japan is the seventh-largest tea-producing country, yielding 3 percent of the world's tea. Tea can be divided into three main varieties: black, green and oolong. Green tea accounts for approximately 30 percent of world tea production, and Japan produces 15 percent of this amount, second only to China. Shizuoka Prefecture is the largest producer of green tea in Japan, supplying 45 percent of the nation's production. And due to the prefecture's dominant role in the market, approximately 70 percent of Japan's green tea goes through here. "Green tea is deeply rooted in the Japanese diet. It's good for one's health and is believed to help prevent diabetes, cancer and high-blood pressure. "In Japanese culture, the tea ceremony is an important tradition. And we want to convey this culture of tea to the world. As more and more people around the world appreciate and drink green tea, we think they should have an better understanding of the different aspects of green tea." "Recently, the consumption of canned and bottled tea drinks has been rising dramatically. These drinks are popular with young people too, who in the past preferred other drinks to tea. And now, with scientific research supporting the benefits of green tea, many products that incorporate elements of tea are being made, such as tea-dyed handkerchiefs and towels that offer anti-bacterial qualities." "With the potential of green tea on the rise, the festival will also mark the launch the World Green Tea Association, an organization dedicated to sharing the benefits of tea and its cultural contributions. Our mission is to promote green tea to the world!" said the governor enthusiastically.