FOCUSED TASTING – Japan
Speaker: Den Shirakata, President, Den’s Tea, Inc.
       
  In this class, attendees will taste 6 Japanese green teas. The teas represent the variety of Japanese teas from traditional types to modern variations. The presentation will also include information on the history, culture, production, and health benefits of each tea helping the merchant to promote Japanese green tea with confidence.  
       
  By the end of this session you will be able to:  
   
  1. Recommend Japanese green tea to customers with professional knowledge and confidence.
  2. Understand the proper brewing techniques for the various types of Japanese green tea.
  3. Accurately describe the difference between Japanese green tea and other green teas in terms of flavor and production.
  4. Become a source of knowledge on Japanese green tea.
  5. Identify the health benefits of Japanese green tea.
     
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Den Shirakata
President, Den’s Tea, Inc.
       
  Den Shirakata was born in Shizuoka, Japan in 1969 as a third generation tea merchant. From early childhood, his family’s tea business had him involved in all aspects of the tea trade. In 1996, he succeeded his father as President of Shirakata Denshiro Shoten, Inc. - a tea manufacturer in Shizuoka for 90 years. In 2000, Den established Den's Tea in California as a distributor of authentic Japanese green tea in North America. Den created a unique system to deliver ultra fresh teas and has been successful in the niche Japanese Tea market in North America. Den is recognized as a Japanese Tea authority and is well versed in the history, culture, production and health benefits of tea. He holds the title of “Japanese Tea Instructor” and has given numerous seminars in Japan and the United States, including the World Tea Expo and Specialty Tea Institute Symposium.