US EditionBritain responds after Expo 2025 afternoon tea brews outrage
- At Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, the British pavilion faced backlash online after offering an afternoon tea set priced at $35, which drew criticism for its use of disposable cups.
- The backlash followed viral social media posts showing the tea served in paper cups with a tea bag, which many Japanese users found disappointing given British tea expectations.
- The British Embassy responded with two explanatory videos, replacing paper cups with ceramic teacups and emphasizing afternoon tea as a symbol of British culture and tradition.
- Carolyn Davidson, the UK Commissioner General, responded to public comments by noting active conversations about the afternoon tea service and assuring that the team is committed to enhancing the overall comfort for visitors.
- Besides the tea controversy, Expo 2025 also saw minor incidents like a self-driving shuttle collision with no injuries, suggesting operational challenges amid ongoing cultural presentations.
12 Articles
12 Articles
British pavilion at Osaka expo improves afternoon tea set after online stir
The British pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka has improved the quality of its 5,000 yen afternoon tea set, with the drinks now served in ceramics instead of paper cups, following online criticism. "We have improved a part of our service after it has been brought to our attention…
British pavilion at expo improves afternoon tea set after online stir
The British pavilion at the World Exposition in Osaka has improved the quality of its 5,000 yen ($35) afternoon tea set, with the drinks now served in ceramics instead of paper cups, following online criticism.
A 31-euro tea served in cardboard cups... This vision of the "traditional" that "symbolizes British culture" (according to the Embassy of the United Kingdom) has struggled to pass to Japanese visitors at the universal Osaka exhibition
The indignation of Japanese visitors was such that the British embassy was forced to apologize on social networks.
The universal exhibition opened in Osaka, on April 13, for six months Japanese netizens have hardly tasted the tea at 31 euros served in cardboard cups at the British pavilion of the Exhibition
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