JAPAN
Tea education is being incorporated into elementary and junior high school students in Shizouka, Japan, in many innovative ways.
Some of the reasons for this are the collapse of traditional tea culture, the decrease in consumption of green tea by younger people and the increase in knowledge of tea’s value as a health drink.
Ways that tea is being used in education to improve interest in tea is to establish a habit of drinking tea with meals whilst at school, habitual gargling to prevent cold and flu whilst at school (this has resulted in fewer cases of sickness), tea painting contests, caring of tea plants in the school tea garden, and sharing of tea with fellow students.
There are also tests given to students on types of tea leaves, best brewing, and knowledge of different teas.
Overall this focus on tea education has improved the interest in tea at many levels.