Hello! This is Goencha! Have you ever wondered, "Is matcha only found in Japan?" So, I'll explain in an easy-to-understand way the deep relationship between matcha and Japan, and the current state of matcha in the world! Let's unravel the history of matcha and see how tea that was introduced from China developed uniquely in Japan and became closely linked to cultures such as the tea ceremony and Japanese sweets.
In addition, we will also take a deeper look at the modern matcha boom, the diversifying ways to enjoy matcha, and its spread around the world! We will also look into the reasons why matcha has developed into a uniquely Japanese culture. You will definitely come away with a deeper understanding of matcha and fall in love with it even more.
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The deep relationship between matcha and Japan
Matcha is a special drink that is deeply connected to Japanese culture! It has been loved not only as a drink, but also as a symbol of Japanese tradition and spirituality in various forms such as tea ceremony, Japanese sweets, and art. Matcha is now widely recognized around the world as one of Japan's representative cultures.
Is matcha only found in Japan? The current state of matcha around the world
Although matcha has its roots in China, modern matcha is a culture born in Japan. Matcha is now very popular all over the world! Especially recently, as more people have become health conscious and interested in Japanese culture, the demand for matcha as a superfood is increasing. Matcha is booming not only in Japan but also around the world.
However, most of the matcha consumed around the world is either exported from Japan or made using Japanese techniques. Therefore, in terms of production method and quality, Japanese matcha is the most highly regarded in the world! Japan plays a very important role in the world's matcha culture.
| Country/Region | Matcha Now |
|---|---|
| Japan | Both production and consumption are thriving, and the area is world-famous as a producer of high-quality matcha. |
| China | It is said to be the origin of matcha, but sencha is now mainstream. With the recent global matcha boom, production is on the rise. |
| South Korea | Although there is a culture of powdered tea, the production method and taste are different from Japanese matcha. |
| America | One of the centers of the matcha boom. Matcha lattes and matcha sweets are popular. |
| Europe | As health consciousness grows, interest in matcha as a superfood is on the rise. |
In this way, matcha has come to be enjoyed all over the world, but Japanese matcha has evolved in a unique way, including its cultivation methods, processing techniques, and even its historical and cultural background. So, let's take a look at the world of matcha to see just how special matcha is in Japan!
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What is Goencha from Kyoto Gyokuro?
" Kyoto Gyokuro no Goencha " is a tea shop that delivers fun tea from Kyoto with the concept of "making tea more fun"! With plans tailored to meet your needs, we make high-quality tea more accessible and exciting to enjoy.
We value the idea that "tea connects people," and we offer many products that are perfect for your daily tea time, as well as gifts for special people and corporate novelties. Especially popular as corporate novelties are products that can be customized with original designs or names !
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Matcha’s special place in Japan
Matcha is more than just a drink; it has a special presence that has quietly embraced Japanese culture and aesthetics. It is closely linked to the tea ceremony and Japanese sweets.
Matcha’s special place in Japan
Matcha is more than just a drink; it has a special presence that has quietly embraced Japanese culture and aesthetics. It is closely linked to the tea ceremony and Japanese sweets.
Tea ceremony and matcha
The tea ceremony is a traditional culture unique to Japan, where you quietly and calmly enjoy a cup of carefully prepared tea. It is imbued with the spirit of hospitality and the beautiful sensibilities of wabi-sabi. The way the tea is served, the setting of the tea room, the tea utensils and Japanese sweets...all of these are in harmony, almost like a work of art. The world of tea ceremony is a gentle and profound experience that calms the mind and deepens the bonds between people.
Japanese sweets and matcha
Matcha and Japanese sweets are closely related. The bittersweetness of matcha brings out the gentle sweetness of Japanese sweets, creating a soft harmony in the mouth. Beautiful Japanese sweets that reflect the seasons, such as cherry blossoms in spring, refreshing water fruits in summer, chestnuts in autumn, and dried sweets that reflect snowy scenery in winter, go perfectly with matcha in both appearance and taste. At tea ceremonies, main sweets and dried sweets are quietly served, soothing the hearts of guests. A cup of matcha and a Japanese sweet can make your daily life just that little bit richer!
The history of matcha The birth of matcha culture in Japan
When you hear matcha, you may think of "Japanese tea," but in fact, its roots are in China. As tea was introduced from China and came into contact with the climate and culture of Japan, it gradually changed, eventually becoming the "matcha" we know today. Let's take a look at the "origin story" of matcha.
The origin of matcha and the development of the tea ceremony
The roots of matcha date back to the Tang Dynasty in China, when the custom of drinking powdered tea was introduced to Japan by Japanese envoys to the Tang Dynasty. In the Kamakura Period, Zen Master Eisai brought back tea seeds, and cultivation in Japan began. Eisai's book "Kissa Yojoki" (A Guide to Drinking Tea) spread the word about the benefits of tea, and the manufacturing method of "steaming, drying, and grinding with a stone mill," which became the prototype of modern-day matcha, was established. It was filled with a passion for health and careful handiwork.
During the Muromachi period, the custom of drinking tea evolved into a "culture" that deepened human interaction. Murata Juko created "wabicha," which values heartfelt hospitality, Takeno Jōō developed it further, and Sen no Rikyu perfected it, establishing the tea ceremony as a "beautiful manner" for calming the mind. The gesture of making tea, the carefully selected tea utensils, and the tranquil space of the tea room - all of these things became a world of beauty.
The evolution of matcha from the Edo period to the present
During the Edo period, the environment surrounding matcha changed, and what had previously been the preserve of a limited number of people, such as the upper class, gradually spread into the lives of townspeople and ordinary people. Matcha cultivation techniques also evolved, allowing for a stable supply.
Diversification and modernization of matcha and its advancement into the world
At the beginning of the Edo period, the world of matcha expanded rapidly, with new schools of tea being born one after another, while still maintaining the spirit of the tea ceremony that Sen no Rikyu held dear. Until then, cultivation had been centered in Uji, but it spread to various regions, and before long it was enjoyed not only in tea ceremonies but also in ordinary households. Then, in the Meiji era, Western culture was introduced and tea ceremony slowed down a bit, but even so, the appeal of tea was reevaluated and it once again attracted attention. The widespread use of the cultivation method of "tencha", which is grown in a shaded area, led to the creation of a mellow matcha with a sweet and rich flavor. In this way, matcha was exported around the world, increasing its international recognition, and in modern times it has become loved all over the world as a representative culture of Japan.
The modern matcha boom! Diverse ways to enjoy matcha
Recently, matcha has come to be enjoyed in various ways, not just in the traditional way of drinking it or as Japanese sweets. In particular, matcha has become increasingly popular among Generation Z, and is experiencing a "matcha boom." In addition to its beautiful appearance and how well it looks on social media, the ingredients contained in matcha are attracting attention as being "good for health" and "good for beauty," and this seems to be the secret to its popularity. We will briefly introduce how to enjoy "modern matcha."
The popularity of matcha sweets
Matcha's rich flavor and vibrant green color go perfectly with sweets. Sweets and desserts made with matcha are now commonplace in cafes, restaurants, and convenience stores. There is a wide variety, and many popular sweets.
| kinds | Features |
|---|---|
| Matcha Parfait | A luxurious parfait layered with various ingredients such as matcha ice cream, shiratama (rice flour dumplings), red bean paste, and matcha jelly. |
| Matcha Latte | A smooth and easy-to-drink drink made with matcha and milk. Can be enjoyed hot or iced. |
| Matcha Tiramisu | An Italian sweet with an exquisite balance of the bittersweetness of matcha and the rich flavor of mascarpone cheese. |
| Matcha Cake | A moist cake with matcha kneaded into the dough. There are many different types, including roll cakes and cheesecakes. |
| Matcha Ice Cream | A classic ice cream that lets you fully enjoy the flavor of matcha. There are many different types, from rich to light. |
| Matcha pudding | A smooth dessert with an exquisite balance of the bittersweetness of matcha and the sweetness of pudding. |
There are also many matcha-flavored snacks and chocolate sweets available, so you can enjoy them easily!
Experience matcha in Uji, Kyoto at Goencha! Enjoy the coolness of Uji matcha
Uji, Kyoto, is a well-known producer of matcha. In Kyoto, where history and tradition live on, you can enjoy matcha from Uji at the Takoyakushi branch of Goencha. This tea stand will help you forget the summer heat, so be sure to try the cool and refreshing matcha drink!
Kyoto Matcha Beer
The rich aroma and bitter taste of Uji matcha is a perfect match with ice-cold beer, making this matcha beer the perfect refreshing drink for a hot summer day.
Goencha sells matcha beer made with carefully selected Uji matcha and an original recipe. The bitterness of the beer and the slightly bitter matcha are perfectly balanced, with a surprisingly mellow aftertaste. It's a special flavor that you'll never forget once you've tried it.
(¥1,000 including tax)
Matcha Latte
Matcha latte is a deep flavor that harmonizes the rich flavor of matcha with the mellowness of milk. A cold matcha latte is a blissful drink that will help you cool down during the summer heat.
Of course, you can also have it hot. The contrast between the vibrant green of the matcha and the white of the milk is beautiful and makes it perfect for posting on social media.
(¥700 including tax)
Matcha
At Goencha's Takoyakushi branch, we carefully prepare and serve matcha on the spot. We serve it hot or iced! We cherish creating relaxing times and building relationships with our customers. Please enjoy the taste of authentic Uji matcha!
(¥1,800 including tax / ¥1,500 including tax for to go)
summary
We started by asking the question, "Is matcha only a Japanese thing?" and then went on to talk about the history and culture of matcha.
Matcha has its roots in China, but when it was introduced to Japan, it slowly developed into a uniquely Japanese "matcha culture" in harmony with the local climate, culture, and people's feelings. It was born in the Kamakura period, was established as tea ceremony in the Muromachi period, and spread to the daily lives of many people in the Edo period.
Nowadays, there are many new ways to enjoy matcha, such as lattes and sweets. Japan's matcha culture has evolved in a unique way, with the spirituality seen in the tea ceremony and harmony with Japanese sweets, becoming something to be proud of around the world. By unraveling the history, you can rediscover the deep connection between Japan and matcha.
