There are various schools of the Japanese tea ceremony, each with its own unique etiquette. The three major schools are Omotesenke, Urasenke, and Mushakouji-senke. My mother, however, was a master of the Kobori Enshu school. Because of that, I grew up drinking the matcha she prepared on a daily basis.
The Kobori Enshu school was founded in the 17th century by the tea master Kobori Enshu. It is known for its simple yet elegant style, embodying the wabi-cha aesthetic of Sen no Rikyu—an appreciation for refined simplicity—while emphasizing harmony, respect, and gratitude in daily life. This school features a refined and dignified tea ceremony suited to samurai culture and has also influenced the design of tea rooms and gardens.
Having been raised in such an environment, I developed a deep love for matcha and still drink it every day. I often enjoy matcha from Uji and Shizuoka, each of which has distinct bitterness and astringency. Uji matcha, grown around Uji City in Kyoto Prefecture, has a long history and is known for its fragrant aroma, smooth texture, and deep flavor. On the other hand, Shizuoka matcha is cultivated in Japan’s largest tea-producing region and offers a light, refreshing taste with a relatively mild impression.
Uji matcha is often associated with luxury and tradition and is frequently used in tea ceremonies. It also has international recognition. Meanwhile, Shizuoka matcha is more affordable and widely enjoyed in everyday life. Uji matcha, with its well-balanced flavor, has little bitterness, while Shizuoka matcha is said to have a natural sweetness. However, from my experience, many Shizuoka matcha varieties tend to have a stronger bitterness. Of course, this depends on the price and brand, but for now, I prefer Uji matcha.
There are many people far more knowledgeable about tea than I am, but since I drink matcha every day, I believe I can offer a unique experience. That’s why I call myself “Matcha Samurai” and continue my training. My concept is Easy, Enjoyable, and Healthy. Exploring different types of matcha brings new discoveries every day. I am still on my journey, but I hope to help others experience the true essence of matcha.
By the way, I also love matcha sweets, and my favorite is MUJI’s Matcha Opera Cake.
Leave a Reply