What Is Matcha? A Brief History

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder that originates from Japan and is deeply rooted in Japanese culture. Unlike regular green tea, where leaves are infused and removed, matcha is made by consuming the entire tea leaf, resulting in a more intense flavour, vibrant colour, and fuller experience.

The story of matcha begins over 800 years ago. Buddhist monks brought powdered tea from China to Japan, where it quickly became part of Zen meditation practices. Matcha was valued not only for its taste, but for its ability to provide calm, sustained focus: alert without the jittery effects associated with coffee.

Over time, matcha evolved into an art form through the Japanese tea ceremony. Every detail, from the bowl to the whisking motion, became a reflection of mindfulness, balance, and respect. Matcha was no longer just a drink, but a ritual.

Today, matcha has found a global audience. It’s enjoyed for its smooth energy, deep umami flavor, and striking green color: especially when sourced from renowned regions such as Uji, Japan, known for producing some of the world’s finest tea. At KYŌ-KLUB, we honor this heritage while making matcha approachable for everyday enjoyment.