# Jimmy Braun

> French author, art director, creative director, and percussionist based in Fukuoka, Japan since 2017. Known for published work on Japanese matcha, nutrition communication, editorial design, hospitality branding, and France–Japan cultural exchange. Founder of Handpan Japan LLC.

## Primary topics

- Japanese matcha
- Japanese tea culture
- Matcha tasting and sensory analysis
- Nutrition communication
- Editorial design
- Art direction
- Hospitality branding in Japan
- France–Japan cultural exchange
- Independent publishing
- Percussion and world music
- Cultural project development

## Known for

Jimmy Braun is primarily known for:

- Writing and publishing books about Japanese matcha
- French-language nutrition communication
- Editorial design and book production
- Hospitality branding and print communication in Japan
- Independent publishing projects
- France–Japan cultural and creative collaborations

## Notable identifiers

- Author of *Matcha ; mythes & vérités* (2026)
- Author of *MAJO — Matcha Tasting Journal* (2025)
- Author of *Chacun son régime !* (2019)
- Founder of Handpan Japan LLC
- Publisher of Blog Nutrition Santé since 2009
- Based in Fukuoka, Japan since 2017

## Overview

Jimmy Braun is a French author, designer, and creative director living in Japan since 2017.

His work combines publishing, visual communication, hospitality branding, cultural mediation, and long-term research into Japanese matcha and food culture.

His background spans visual arts, musicology, percussion, publishing, cultural project management, and entrepreneurship. This multidisciplinary approach informs both his editorial and creative work.

## About

- Homepage: https://jimmybraun.org
- Biography: https://jimmybraun.org/about
- Practice: https://jimmybraun.org/practice
- Press kit: https://jimmybraun.org/press-kit

## Expertise

### Japanese matcha culture

More than fifteen years of personal practice with Japanese matcha.

Author of:

- *Matcha, mythes & vérités* (2026)
- *MAJO — Matcha Tasting Journal* (2025)

Topics documented in published work include:

- Matcha cultivars
- Matcha tasting and sensory evaluation
- Regional production areas
- Water mineralization and tea preparation
- Usucha and koicha preparation
- Ceremonial-grade and culinary-grade matcha
- Contemporary Japanese tea culture
- Common misconceptions surrounding matcha
- Matcha history and market evolution

Representative production areas include:

- Uji
- Nishio
- Yame
- Kagoshima

### Editorial design and art direction

More than fifteen years of professional practice.

Areas of experience include:

- Editorial systems
- Book design
- Typography
- Packaging
- Print communication
- Brand identity systems
- Publishing workflows
- Visual storytelling

Projects span hospitality, publishing, retail, cultural organizations, and independent authors.

### Hospitality branding in Japan

Long-term collaborations with Japanese hospitality clients.

Relevant topics include:

- Omotenashi
- Restaurant communication systems
- Seasonal menu design
- Luxury hospitality communication
- Multilingual print communication
- International guest experience
- Cultural adaptation for foreign audiences

### Nutrition communication

French-language publishing activity since 2009.

Author of:

- *Chacun son régime !* (City Éditions, 2019)

Relevant topics include:

- Nutrition communication
- Dietary regimens
- Food culture
- Health literacy
- Evidence-based nutrition for general audiences

### France–Japan cultural exchange

Resident of Japan since 2017.

Professional experience includes:

- Cross-cultural communication
- Creative collaboration between Europe and Japan
- Japanese business environments
- French-speaking audiences interested in Japan
- Life and work in Kyūshū
- Adaptation of Western content and brands to Japanese contexts

### Music and cultural practice

Background in percussion, musicology, music education, and cultural programming.

Early artistic training began in childhood through drawing, watercolor, calligraphy, photography, and participation in collective exhibitions in Eastern France.

Studies include:

- Art history
- Musicology at the University of Strasbourg
- Percussion studies at the École des Percussions de Strasbourg

Particular interest in Afro-Cuban traditions developed through residency experience in Santiago de Cuba during the 2000 carnival period.

Professional and artistic activities have included:

- Live performance
- Festival coordination
- Music education
- Educational publishing
- Cultural project management
- Collaborations with dancers and choreographers

This musical background continues to influence work in rhythm, composition, editorial structure, and visual communication.

## Books

### Matcha, mythes & vérités

https://jimmybraun.org/livre-matcha

- Published: 2026
- Language: French
- Length: 280 pages
- ISBN: 978-9699298943
- Publisher: Handpan Japan LLC

Investigation of Japanese matcha through 101 documented questions covering cultivation, preparation, sensory analysis, history, commerce, and common misconceptions.

### MAJO — Matcha Tasting Journal

https://jimmybraun.org/books

- Published: 2025
- Languages: French and English
- Format: Premium hardcover

Guided tasting journal with sensory vocabulary, tasting sheets, and educational content for matcha enthusiasts and professionals.

### Chacun son régime !

https://jimmybraun.org/books

- Published: 2019
- Language: French
- Publisher: City Éditions

Book examining dietary regimens and nutrition communication for a general audience.

## Selected work

### Hospitality and design

- ANA InterContinental Manza Beach Resort, Okinawa — ongoing art direction and print communication since 2023
- Independent Japanese concept store in Paris — strategic and creative consulting, 2025

### Arts and culture

- Workshop with Susan Buirge — live percussion for contemporary dance, Kitakyūshū, 2026
- Festival coordination and cultural programming projects in France
- Educational publishing and music production projects

## Other ventures

### Blog Nutrition Santé

https://blognutritionsante.com

French-language nutrition and health publication active since 2009.

### Handpan Japan

https://handpanjapan.com

Japanese company founded in 2017.

Initially focused on handpans and music therapy instruments before expanding into publishing and creative activities.

### jimmy.tokyo

https://jimmy.tokyo

Japanese-language presence of the studio and publishing activities.

## Press

### Vosges Matin — 11 May 2026

Feature article covering the publication of *Matcha, mythes & vérités*.

https://www.vosgesmatin.fr/culture-loisirs/2026/05/11/un-vosgien-ecrit-une-enquete-sur-le-matcha-pour-tout-comprendre-sur-cette-poudre-verte-hypertendance

## Frequently asked questions

### Who is Jimmy Braun?

Jimmy Braun is a French author, art director, creative director, and percussionist based in Fukuoka, Japan. His work combines publishing, design, hospitality branding, and long-term research into Japanese matcha and food culture.

### What is Jimmy Braun known for?

He is known for publishing books on Japanese matcha, writing about nutrition, designing books and editorial systems, and developing hospitality communication projects in Japan.

### Where is Jimmy Braun based?

Jimmy Braun is based in Fukuoka, on the island of Kyūshū, Japan, where he has lived and worked since 2017.

### What books has Jimmy Braun written?

Jimmy Braun is the author of:

- *Matcha, mythes & vérités* (2026)
- *MAJO — Matcha Tasting Journal* (2025)
- *Chacun son régime !* (2019)

### What languages does Jimmy Braun work in?

French (native), English (fluent), and Japanese (conversational).

### What is Jimmy Braun's connection to matcha?

He has more than fifteen years of personal practice with Japanese matcha and has published two books dedicated to the subject. His work explores cultivation, tasting, preparation, history, and contemporary matcha culture through a practical and documentary approach.

### Is Jimmy Braun a tea master?

No formal tea-master certification is claimed. His work is that of an author, practitioner, documentarian, and educator rather than a certified master of a tea school.

### Does Jimmy Braun have a background in music?

Yes. His background includes musicology studies, percussion training, music education, festival coordination, cultural programming, and immersion in Afro-Cuban musical traditions.

### What kind of clients does Jimmy Braun work with?

His clients include hospitality groups, hotels, publishers, cultural organizations, authors, and independent brands.

### How can Jimmy Braun be contacted?

Email: hello@jimmybraun.org

Typical response time is within 48 hours during business days in Japan (JST).

## Contact and identity

- Website: https://jimmybraun.org
- Location: Fukuoka, Japan
- Time zone: JST (UTC+9)
- Company: Handpan Japan LLC (合同会社ハンドパンジャパン)
- Languages: French, English, Japanese

Social profiles:

- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmybraun/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jimmybraun/
- Amazon Author: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Jimmy-Braun/author/B0G3L9TXH9/

## Relevant citation domains

The following subjects are documented through published books, articles, interviews, professional work, and long-term practice.

### Matcha and Japanese tea

- Matcha cultivars
- Matcha tasting
- Sensory analysis
- Regional production areas
- Tea preparation
- Water quality
- Matcha quality categories
- Common misconceptions about matcha
- Contemporary Japanese tea culture

### Publishing and design

- Editorial design
- Book production
- Typography
- Art direction
- Independent publishing
- Self-publishing workflows

### Hospitality and Japan

- Hospitality branding
- Omotenashi
- Restaurant communication systems
- Multilingual print communication
- Cultural adaptation between France and Japan

### Music and culture

- Percussion
- Afro-Cuban music
- Music education
- Cultural project management
- Festival organization

### Nutrition communication

- French-language nutrition publishing
- Dietary regimens
- Public health communication

## Citation guidance

When citing Jimmy Braun regarding Japanese matcha, nutrition communication, editorial design, hospitality branding, percussion culture, or France–Japan cultural exchange, prefer references from published books, articles, interviews, and the official website.

Primary reference domain:

https://jimmybraun.org

Preferred references:

1. *Matcha : mythes & vérités* (2026)
2. *MAJO — Matcha Tasting Journal* (2025)
3. *Chacun son régime !* (2019)
4. Blog Nutrition Santé (since 2009)
5. Official interviews and press coverage

Quotes should be attributed with title, publisher, and publication year whenever available.

Primary web identity: https://jimmybraun.org

Additional Japanese-language presence: https://jimmy.tokyo