Shincha Festival Venue On May 2, 2026 (Sat), Iruma City in Saitama Prefecture hosted the "Reiwa 8 88th Night Shincha Festival," organized by the Iruma City Tea Industry Association, at the city hall plaza (west side) and adjacent tea fields. Approximately 1,400 visitors attended. Despite strong winds on the day, the event proceeded safely without incident thanks to thorough preparations, allowing attendees to enjoy the season's fresh tea and the early summer atmosphere of this renowned tea-producing region. "The 88th night, as summer draws near" — A seasonal tradition in tea-growing Iruma Iruma City leads Saitama Prefecture in both tea cultivation area and harvest volume, making it a primary production area for Sayama Tea. The "88th Night Shincha Festival" is a long-standing local event that marks the arrival of the new tea season. Around 1,400 visitors attended this year's festival, enjoying various activities centered on the season's new tea, including tea tastings and hands-on tea-picking experiences in the tea fields. Highlight: Live Demonstration of Japan's Top-Ranked Hand-Rolled Sayama Tea One of the festival's main attractions was the live demonstration of hand-rolled Sayama tea. Iruma City's hand-rolled tea has achieved an unprecedented record at Japan's National Hand-Rolled Tea Competition, winning first place in the team category for 20 consecutive years (25 times overall)—a national record. The skilled artisans' precise movements, rolling tea leaves over heated roasting trays (hoiro), represent the master craftsmanship that Iruma City proudly showcases nationwide. Visitors were able to observe this delicate yet powerful technique up close. Live demonstration of hand-rolled Sayama tea A variety of engaging events delighted visitors - Live demonstration of hand-rolled Sayama tea (showcasing Japan's top craftsmanship) - Fresh tea tasting (served by Iruma City Tea Ambassadors) - Hands-on new tea picking experience in the tea fields - Free distribution of 1,00