1 Introduction

The Classic of Tea "was written by Lu Yu of the Tang Dynasty, covering comprehensive knowledge of tea production, production, and consumption, integrating Taoist and Confucian ideas, and exerting a profound influence on world tea culture. Since the 20th century, the "Classic of Tea" has been translated into multiple languages, with the largest number of Japanese translations, reflecting the profound influence of the "Classic of Tea" on Japanese tea ceremony. The rich research and translation achievements of Japanese scholars on the "Classic of Tea" have promoted the cultural exchange of tea studies between China and Japan. There is relatively little research on the translation, introduction, and dissemination of the "Classic of Tea" in Japan domestically. This article aims to fill this gap and explore the role of the "Classic of Tea" in promoting cultural exchange between China and foreign countries.

The Inheritance and Development of the Classic of Tea in China

Lu Yu wrote the "Classic of Tea" in the Tang Dynasty, which covered knowledge of tea cultivation, tea making, and tea drinking. He proposed the method of frying tea, which had an impact on the tea drinking culture of the Tang Dynasty. The Classic of Tea was widely quoted by both the government and the people during the Song Dynasty, and was published the most frequently during the Ming Dynasty. Scholars began to delve into its ideas. During the Qing Dynasty, printing decreased, but the "Classic of Tea" had a profound impact on tea culture in later generations, and its spirit of "practicing frugality and virtue" became an important part of tea culture.

Early transmission of the "Classic of Tea" to Japan

The early dissemination of the "Classic of Tea" in Japan began in 815, when the great monk Dou Yongzhong brought tea drinking culture back to Japan, influencing temples and nobles. During his time in the Tang Dynasty, Yongzhong was influenced by the tea drinking customs and introduced tea drinking etiquette to Japan, forming the "Hongren Tea Style". The "Tea Song of the Grand Governor of Izumo" in the "Jingguo Collection" reflects the similarity between the Japanese way of drinking tea at that time and the "Tea Classic". However, the early spread of tea culture in Japan was limited, and the aristocratic class placed more emphasis on the spiritual value of drinking tea rather than its medicinal value. With the decline of Tang style culture, tea drinking culture also fell silent for more than 300 years.

Translation, Introduction, and Dissemination of the Classic of Tea in Japan

The translation, introduction, and dissemination of the "Classic of Tea" in Japan went through three stages: preparation, germination, and climax. In the Edo period, tea making books began to introduce the efficacy of tea and Lu Yu's tea drinking philosophy, which was closely related to the development of Japanese tea ceremony. The "Classic of Tea" and its editions were published three times during the Edo period, reflecting the luxurious pursuit of tea ceremony by the upper class and the emphasis of some tea lovers on Lu Yu's "refined and frugal" ideology. Da Dian Zen Master's "Detailed Explanation of the Classic of Tea" is the first annotated version of the "Classic of Tea" in Japan, which promoted the dissemination of the "Classic of Tea" in Japan and popularized tea culture and ideas. In the Meiji era, the "Classic of Tea" entered the public eye, and Okakura Tenshin highly praised Lu Yuhe and the "Classic of Tea" in the "Book of Tea". In the 20th century, many Japanese scholars translated and studied the "Classic of Tea", such as Satoshi Zhugang, Kiichiro Kanda, and Chao Takashi Bumu. Their translations and research laid the foundation for the translation and study of the modern "Classic of Tea" in Japan. Bu Mu Chao's "Complete Annotations on the Classic of Tea" has become the most popular annotated book in Japan. In 2013, Tadayoshi Takahashi translated the "Classic of Tea" in a simple and understandable language style, further expanding its audience.

5 Conclusion

The dissemination and translation of the "Classic of Tea" in Japan have undergone an evolution from medicinal health preservation to spiritual exploration, from pioneering initial translation to academic translation. In the early days, the "Classic of Tea" influenced Japanese tea culture through poetry and ancient texts. During the Edo period, the publication of its engraved editions reflected the emphasis on Sinology and promoted the awakening of tea ceremony culture. The "Detailed Explanation of the Classic of Tea" by Master Dadian was the first true translation and introduction, which promoted the understanding of the ideas in the Classic of Tea. In modern times, translation and introduction have reached a climax, with diverse backgrounds of translators, enhancing their academic and authoritative qualities. The content and tea philosophy of the "Classic of Tea" have been translated and introduced to Japan at different historical stages, rising from the material level to the spiritual level, profoundly influencing the Japanese tea ceremony. Its translation and dissemination in Japan have important humanistic, historical, social, and academic values, and are a historical microcosm of the exchange of tea culture between China and Japan.