Matcha, a traditional Japanese tea, has gained immense popularity worldwide, leading to a significant shortage in Japan. The tea company Ito En announced plans to double prices in response to the rising demand and supply issues. Tourists from the United States have expressed their love for matcha, contributing to its global appeal. Cafés in places like New York are featuring matcha lattes and desserts prominently on their menus, while convenience stores in South Korea are stocking various matcha products.

Japan's green tea exports have reached record levels for five consecutive years, with over 10% of production now being shipped abroad. This surge has resulted in a serious domestic shortage of matcha. Ito En's price increases will see traditional matcha used in ceremonies rise from 3,024 yen (about $20) to 4,536 yen (around $30), while regular green tea will go up from 1,296 yen (approximately $8.50) to 1,360 yen (about $9).

Tea producers are adapting by converting more fields to tencha—the raw material for matcha—now making up 70% of production compared to just 30% previously. However, limited equipment capacity poses challenges for further expansion. Additionally, Japan faces an aging farming population and shrinking cultivation areas by about 20% over the last decade. Maintaining a stable balance between supply and demand is becoming increasingly critical for the industry as it moves forward.

In related news, JR East received government approval for fare increases on the Yamanote Line and Japan recorded its hottest July ever with temperatures exceeding averages by nearly three degrees Celsius (5.4 degrees Fahrenheit). High school students are entering a job market where demand significantly exceeds supply as companies compete fiercely for young workers straight out of high school amid record-high job-offer-to-applicant ratios.

Lastly, tsunami advisories along Japan's Pacific coast were lifted following an earthquake near Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula that had caused damage but no major incidents were reported after the advisories ended.

Original article

The article provides an overview of the rising popularity of matcha, a Japanese tea, and its impact on the industry and consumers.

Actionable Information: There is no direct call to action or specific steps for readers to take. While it mentions price increases and production shifts, these are industry-level responses and do not offer individual consumers clear actions to address the shortage or rising prices.

Educational Depth: The article does provide some educational value by explaining the reasons behind the matcha shortage, including the surge in international demand and the resulting record exports from Japan. It also highlights the challenges faced by tea producers, such as limited equipment capacity and an aging farming population, which contribute to the supply issues. However, it does not delve deeply into the historical or cultural significance of matcha or provide extensive data to support its claims.

Personal Relevance: For individuals who regularly consume matcha or are interested in Japanese culture, the article's topic may be personally relevant. It highlights the potential impact on their favorite beverage and the cultural experience associated with it. However, for those who are not matcha enthusiasts or have no immediate plans to visit Japan, the personal relevance may be limited.

Public Service Function: The article does not serve an immediate public service function by providing official warnings, safety advice, or emergency contacts. It primarily focuses on the industry's response to the matcha shortage and its impact on prices and production.

Practicality of Advice: As there is no direct advice given to consumers, the practicality of advice is not applicable in this case.

Long-Term Impact: The article suggests that the matcha shortage and its associated challenges may have long-term implications for the industry, including potential price increases and adjustments in production methods. However, it does not offer insights into how these changes may impact consumers in the long run or provide strategies for adapting to these changes.

Emotional or Psychological Impact: The article may create a sense of curiosity or concern among readers, especially those who enjoy matcha. It highlights the popularity and cultural significance of matcha, which could evoke positive emotions. However, the focus on industry challenges and potential price increases may also induce feelings of frustration or helplessness, especially for those who rely on matcha as a regular part of their diet or cultural practice.

Clickbait or Ad-Driven Words: The article does not appear to use sensational or clickbait-style language. It presents the information in a straightforward manner, focusing on the facts and industry responses.

Missed Opportunities for Teaching or Guiding: The article could have provided more practical guidance or resources for consumers. For example, it could have offered tips on how to identify and support local or sustainable matcha producers, or suggested alternative tea options for those concerned about the shortage and price increases. Additionally, including a brief history of matcha and its cultural significance could have added depth and context for readers.

The global popularity of matcha tea and its subsequent shortage in Japan present a complex situation that impacts local communities and kinship bonds. The rising demand and supply issues have led to significant price increases, which, while addressing the economic challenges, may also create a barrier for local families and communities to access this traditional beverage.

The protection of children and elders, a fundamental duty of families, is at risk when essential goods become unaffordable. The price surge for matcha, a cultural staple, may force families to allocate more resources towards this basic need, potentially diverting funds from other essential areas such as education, healthcare, or savings for the future. This could lead to a decline in the overall well-being and security of families, especially those with limited financial means.

Furthermore, the shift in production methods to meet the global demand may also impact local communities. While tea producers are adapting by increasing the proportion of tencha, the limited equipment capacity could hinder their ability to meet both domestic and international demands. This may result in a further reduction of matcha availability for local communities, disrupting traditional ceremonies and cultural practices that bring families and neighbors together.

The aging farming population and decreasing cultivation areas pose additional challenges. As the responsibility of farming and land stewardship is not adequately passed on to the next generation, the ability of local communities to maintain a stable supply of matcha and other agricultural products is compromised. This could lead to a reliance on external sources, potentially eroding the self-sufficiency and resilience of local communities.

The spread of matcha's popularity internationally also carries the risk of diminishing the cultural significance and traditional practices associated with it. As matcha becomes a global commodity, the unique cultural and social practices that have historically surrounded its consumption may be lost or diluted, impacting the sense of community and shared identity that these practices foster.

In conclusion, the global demand for matcha, while economically beneficial for tea companies, carries the potential to weaken local communities and kinship bonds. The rising prices, production shifts, and aging farming population all contribute to a scenario where the protection of children, the care of elders, and the preservation of cultural practices are at risk. If these trends continue unchecked, the continuity of these communities and their ability to thrive and survive may be jeopardized. The ancestral duty to protect life and balance demands that we recognize and address these consequences, ensuring that local communities and families remain strong and resilient.

"The leading tea company, Ito En, announced plans to increase prices by up to 100% in response to the rising demand and supply issues."

This sentence uses strong language to describe the price increase as a direct response to demand and supply issues. It implies that the company is taking action to address a problem, making it seem reasonable and justified. The use of "leading tea company" adds to the impression of a responsible and authoritative decision. However, it does not mention any other factors that could have influenced the price hike, such as the company's profit margins or market manipulation. This sentence presents a one-sided view, favoring the company's perspective and potentially hiding any negative impact on consumers.

The text evokes a range of emotions, primarily centered around the growing popularity and subsequent challenges faced by the matcha tea industry in Japan.

One emotion that stands out is excitement, which is evident in the description of matcha's rising popularity worldwide. The text mentions international tourists expressing their love for matcha and the increasing demand for matcha products in various countries. This excitement is further heightened by the mention of record exports of green tea from Japan for five consecutive years, indicating a thriving and successful industry. The emotion of excitement serves to capture the reader's attention and create a positive association with matcha tea, highlighting its global appeal and success.

However, as the text progresses, a shift in emotion occurs, transitioning from excitement to concern and worry. The issue of supply shortage in Japan is introduced, with the leading tea company, Ito En, announcing a significant price increase of up to 100%. This decision is a direct response to the rising demand and supply issues, indicating a potential crisis in the domestic market. The text also highlights the aging farming population and decreasing cultivation areas, which further complicate the situation. These factors evoke a sense of worry and concern for the future of the matcha industry in Japan, as it struggles to maintain a stable supply and meet the growing international demand.

The emotion of worry is strategically employed to capture the reader's empathy and attention. By highlighting the potential consequences of the supply shortage, the text aims to create a sense of urgency and encourage readers to consider the impact of this issue on the industry and its stakeholders.

Furthermore, the text employs persuasive techniques to emphasize the severity of the situation. For instance, the use of specific and precise numbers, such as the price increases and the percentage of green tea production sent overseas, adds credibility and weight to the argument. The repetition of the word "significant" also reinforces the impact of the supply shortage and price increases. Additionally, the comparison between the domestic and international markets, with a focus on the success of matcha abroad, creates a contrast that highlights the challenges faced by the domestic industry.

By skillfully employing emotional language and persuasive techniques, the text aims to guide the reader's reaction, evoking a sense of concern and empathy for the matcha industry in Japan. The strategic use of emotions and persuasive language is designed to capture attention, create a sense of urgency, and potentially inspire action or support for the industry, whether it be through increased awareness, consumer choices, or policy considerations.