Green tea (ocha) is the main drink of the Japanese people. Picking of the young sprouts and leaves occurs over 3 weeks (mid April-end of May). The peak of picking occurs following the 88th night (around May 2). The tea leaves are then steamed and massaged over the course of an evening. With the advent of mechanization, the cultural/artistic event of tea picking has been lost; in the past songs were sung and special garb (red sashes and head bands) were worn.
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