Matcha: A Journey Through the History and Traditions of Japanese Green Tea

A rare green tea, the most famous in Japan, which has no equal and is increasingly being introduced into Western culture. Matcha is a powdered green tea that attracts the curiosity of a significant portion of tea lovers and fans of Japanese culture. Indeed, in addition to being a highly appreciated food, matcha has a unique history and a very special role in Japanese culture. At the center of a thousand-year-old Japanese tradition, the history of matcha nevertheless begins in ancient China. The study and appreciation of matcha cannot be limited to a simple taste analysis. To fully understand and appreciate matcha, one must delve into the story of a tea that represents much more than a simple drink. The history of matcha is divided into several segments in various regions of Asia, which has made it an essential culinary element in the 21st century. In this article, we will explore the origins of tea in Japan, the evolution of matcha over the centuries, its popularization and its adaptation to the modern era.

Tea is an aromatic beverage prepared by infusion that, according to legend, first appeared in 2737 BCE when leaves of the tea plant (a shrub native to the Himalayas) fell into the hot water of Emperor Shennong in China. Another Indian legend tells that tea was born from a mistake by Bodhidharma, a Buddhist monk, who after involuntarily falling asleep after nine years of meditation, cut off his eyelids so as not to fall asleep again and threw them on the ground, giving birth to the tea plant.

Much later, around the 6th century CE, matcha appeared in China as a ritual tea, consumed in a shared bowl where its consumption served as a sacrament. The history of matcha in Japan only truly began in the late 12th century, after it was brought to the country by Buddhist monks from China. This introduction marked the beginning of a deep relationship between Japan and tea, which would evolve over the centuries to become an essential part of Japanese culture and spirituality.

The Evolution of Matcha in Japan

Originally, matcha was only consumed by Buddhist monks following the example of the monk Eisai who had brought back tea seeds from China. The aim of the Japanese monks was to take advantage of the medicinal and stimulating benefits of matcha in order to improve the conditions of their long meditations. The method of preparing tea was then that of tencha: the leaves were steamed, dried and finally ground into a fine powder which only had to be dissolved in hot water.

During the Kamakura period (1185-1333), matcha gained popularity and spread among the elite and samurai, cementing the method of preparing matcha in Japanese culture. Following Eisai's book "Kissa Yojoki", in which he highlighted the health and concentration benefits of tea, Zen monks (a Japanese branch of Buddhism) adopted matcha as a ritual drink, thus promoting its spread and anchoring in Japanese culture, not only as a drink but also as a central element of spiritual practices. Matcha, now at the center of spiritual life in Japan, represents purity, tranquility and respect, core values ​​of Zen Buddhism.

The popularization of matcha

The popularization of matcha in Japan took place during the Muromachi era (1336-1573). This is notably due to Murata Jukō, a Buddhist monk considered the founder of the tea ceremony (also called Chanoyu, a Buddhist ritual in which matcha is prepared ceremonially). Matcha was then much more than a simple drink, it was a way of life in line with the Zen principles of serenity and contemplation put forward by Japanese Buddhism. In the 16th century, the tea ceremony became a staple of Japanese aesthetics, a way for warriors and aristocrats to meet to discuss political and military strategies. To accompany the development of tea in Japanese culture, places such as tea houses or tea gardens were built, showing the impact of the tea ceremony and therefore of matcha on the Japanese way of life. In the aftermath of the Muromachi era, tea impacted health, architecture, gardening, ceramics, and the spiritual and aesthetic principles of Japan.

Matcha in modern times

Modern production methods have transformed the traditional method of creating matcha powder. Tencha leaves are no longer ground by hand using stone mills. In addition, shading techniques now allow for high-quality matcha, as demonstrated by our Matcha Original , a ceremonial-grade matcha that perfectly exemplifies this craftsmanship. Matcha production is now more sustainable and on a larger scale than before, meeting the growing demand in Japan and internationally.

In Japanese society, matcha remains at the center of traditions and ceremonies, but in addition to this, it has found a place in Japanese daily life in the form of ready-to-drink drinks, desserts, sweets and even savory dishes. The versatility of matcha is such that it is even used for cooking. Our Culinary Matcha is perfect for this use. A matcha specially designed for culinary preparations. Beyond its culinary use, matcha is recognized for its many health benefits. Indeed, rich in antioxidants such as catechins, it helps to strengthen the immune system and protect the body against diseases. In addition, its L-theanine content gives it relaxing properties that promote concentration and relaxation. These combined aspects make matcha a popular choice for those looking to improve their physical and mental well-being.

The preparation of matcha remains an important ritual that requires specific tools to respect ancestral traditions. Among these tools, " The bamboo whisk , or chasen, is essential for obtaining a smooth and homogeneous foam when preparing matcha, thus guaranteeing an authentic experience.

TSUKI is part of the traditions

Since its origins in China and adoption by Buddhist monks, matcha has become a central part of Japanese culture, far beyond its status as a simple beverage. The tea ceremony has played a crucial role in integrating matcha into spiritual and aesthetic practices, symbolizing purity and tranquility. As it has evolved, matcha has preserved its authenticity while adapting to modern production methods and diversifying into everyday life in the form of beverages, desserts, and savory dishes. Its growing international popularity is due to its many health benefits, antioxidant properties, and ability to improve concentration. Understanding the origins and history of matcha allows you to fully enjoy the simplicity, tranquility, and harmony offered by this exceptional beverage.

TSUKI has been inspired by Japanese culture and the rich history of this green powder to offer you quality products, accessible to all. We work with a family of Japanese producers to offer you quality matchas, as good for your body as for your mind.