On Wednesday, May 22, first-year junior high school students at Ritsumeikan Uji Junior High School engaged in a tea-picking experience, continuing a tradition that has been a part of the school curriculum since its establishment in 2023. Located in Uji, Kyoto, a region famed for its tea production, the event is one of the key cultural activities for first-year students, alongside lessons in tea ceremony and pottery.

Blessed with good weather and surrounded by the vibrant new greenery of the season, the students harvested fresh tea buds. They enjoyed the soft texture of the young shoots and the aroma of the tea, making the experience swiftly pass by in enjoyment.

The event also included exchange students from Seattle, allowing for a cultural exchange as they joined in the tea-picking activities. In true spirit of the 22nd batch, all students had a delightful time participating in this traditional and enjoyable event.