Art
ⒼTEA-TASTER FOREST
Kazuyuki Hashimoto with 
Tea Tasters
Back to Program
Fountain Square, Ueno Park
During the period
Hashimoto’s latest project is calculated to enable people to enjoy a cup of green tea while taking in the beautiful scenery around them. To this end, he has developed a moveable house and tearoom, which has travelled to various locations. Ito En’s tea specialists known as ‘Tea Tasters’ serve the tea, introducing members of the public to the joys and the merits of Japanese tea culture and thus offering them a chance to reexamine the ways we live and appreciate the richness of the Japanese lifestyle.
Kazuyuki Hashimoto
Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1965. Earned a graduate degree from Tokyo University of the Arts. Has worked on numerous designs for hotels, residences, commercial facilities and more as an interior designer. A researcher of spatial design in general, including art, architecture, interiors, displays and products. Currently vice dean at the Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts and professor of design.
Tea Tasters
In accordance with its motto of ‘contributing to enriching customers’ lives with a spirit of hospitality,’ the Ito En group organizes a variety of educational activities related to tea. Its certified tea tasters possess wide-ranging knowledge and technical expertise, from the history and culture surrounding tea to making delicious tea. Since 1994, Ito En has implemented a certification system for its employees so they can become tea experts and conduct educational activities inside and outside the company. In 2017, this system was officially recognized by the Ministry for Health, Labor and Welfare.