July 03, Tokyo (LNW): In a spirited celebration of cross-cultural friendship and shared appreciation for tea, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Japan has launched a special event in Tokyo to promote Ceylon tea in its iced form—an initiative timed to coincide with Japan’s sweltering summer.
The two-day event, taking place in Chiyoda, aims to introduce the distinct character of Sri Lanka’s world-renowned tea to Japanese audiences, with a refreshing twist tailored to local seasonal tastes.
Organised with support from the Sri Lanka Tea Board and in partnership with the Japan Tea Association, the promotion seeks to bridge cultural ties through one of Sri Lanka’s most cherished exports.
Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to Japan, Professor Pivithuru Janak Kumarasinghe, described the event as a meaningful gesture of goodwill and connection between the two nations.
“We hope that this offering of Ceylon iced tea will not only bring a moment of refreshment to our Japanese friends during the heat of summer but also serve as a warm reminder of the longstanding friendship between our countries,” he said.
Visitors to the event, including tea enthusiasts and members of the local community, were given the opportunity to sample a variety of iced tea infusions made using premium Ceylon leaves. The vibrant aromas and bold flavours received praise from attendees, many of whom noted the compatibility of Sri Lankan tea with Japan’s evolving beverage culture.
Beyond its role as a sensory delight, the initiative also serves a diplomatic purpose—using the universal appeal of tea as a platform for cultural connection.
As Japan’s interest in global tea traditions continues to grow, events such as this help to embed Ceylon tea into the country’s wider tea-loving community, while reinforcing people-to-people ties between the two island nations.
