The Matcha Thread

When, Why, and by Whom Are Tea Gatherings Held? And How Can I Experience One? - Answered by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
When, Why, and by Whom Are Tea Gatherings Held? And How Can I Experience One? - Answered by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Written by a mindfulness tea teacher, Miki Sensei. When hosting tea ceremony experiences for international guests, I often receive the following question: "When do Japanese people hold tea gatherings like this?"... Read more...
Beauty and Aesthetic Sensibility In The World of Tea - Explained by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Beauty and Aesthetic Sensibility In The World of Tea - Explained by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Written by a mindfulness tea teacher, Miki Sensei. This time, I was given the impossibly expansive theme of “beauty and aesthetic sensibility in Japan.” The inspiration for this topic came... Read more...
The Matcha Ritual: Life of Constant Motion, Guided by Intention
The Matcha Ritual: Life of Constant Motion, Guided by Intention
Meet Kezia. Doctor, dancer, cat mom, K-pop fangirl—Kezia wears many hats. Matcha devotee is one of them. Entering her apartment, you immediately feel her luminous, vibrant spirit: a space alive... Read more...
The World of Chasen (Bamboo Matcha Whisk) Part 2 - Written by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
The World of Chasen (Bamboo Matcha Whisk) Part 2 - Written by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Written by mindfulness tea teacher, Miki Sensei. Previously, I touched on the unique significance of the chasen, the bamboo tea whisk, within the world of tea utensils and the distinct... Read more...
The World of Chasen (Bamboo Matcha Whisk) Part 1 - Written by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
The World of Chasen (Bamboo Matcha Whisk) Part 1 - Written by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Written by a mindfulness tea teacher, Miki Sensei. Today I’d like to talk about tea utensils, specifically the chasen (茶筅), or bamboo tea whisk. The tearoom is often described as... Read more...
How to Start Your Matcha Journey - explained by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
How to Start Your Matcha Journey - explained by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Written by a mindfulness tea teacher, Miki Sensei. You may be wondering where to begin making matcha at home: what to buy, and how to start. It's an excellent question,... Read more...
Celebrating the Japanese New Years - written by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Celebrating the Japanese New Years - written by tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Written by a mindfulness tea teacher, Miki Sensei. Of course, while traditions and customs vary widely through different regions and religions, one of the largest seasonal observances may be Christmas... Read more...
The Art of Omotenashi, the Japanese Hospitality - written by a tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
The Art of Omotenashi, the Japanese Hospitality - written by a tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
Written by a mindfulness tea teacher, Miki Sensei. I was asked to share my tips on the art of omotenashi (the Japanese philosophy of hospitality). While there are surely as many... Read more...
The Matcha Ritual: How This Mom of Two Balances Chaos and Calm
The Matcha Ritual: How This Mom of Two Balances Chaos and Calm
On a quiet Tuesday morning, Christina settles into her cozy writing nook by the window, cradling a small cup of matcha. Her journal lies open before her, ready to be... Read more...
More Than Whisking: The Meaning of Tateru - Explained by a tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
More Than Whisking: The Meaning of Tateru - Explained by a tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei
What exactly does tateru mean? And why is it usually translated into English as “whisk”? Let’s pause to consider the depth of this word. Read more...
Kinako Hojicha Latte Recipe (using organic hojicha AKANE)
Kinako Hojicha Latte Recipe (using organic hojicha AKANE)
If autumn is your favorite season…🍂 This cozy latte combines the roasted, chocolate-like aroma of organic hojicha AKANE with the smooth and sweet taste of KINAKO. 1 tbsp KINAKO 1... Read more...
Earl Grey Matcha Latte Recipe (using HAYATE)
Earl Grey Matcha Latte Recipe (using HAYATE)
Perfect iced or hot, this fragrant matcha latte is the latte to make for black-tea lovers.  🫖 Prep: Earl Grey Syrup 2 Earl Grey tea bags 1/2 cup water 1/2... Read more...
What is Matcha? Explained by a tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei - Part 2
What is Matcha? Explained by a tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei - Part 2
Written by a mindfulness tea teacher, Miki Sensei. 👉Click here for Part 1 In the last article, we explored matcha as a type of tea.Now, let's examine its cultural and... Read more...
What is Matcha? Explained by a tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei - Part 1
What is Matcha? Explained by a tea ceremony teacher Miki Sensei - Part 1
When offering matcha to international guests, I am often asked: "What exactly is matcha? What kind of tea is it? What makes it special?" Read more...
Matcha Brownie Bites Recipe (using HAYATE)
Matcha Brownie Bites Recipe (using HAYATE)
A simple matcha brownie bites made with chacha maimai's matcha powder HAYATE.  Prep time: 10 minutesBaking time: 25 minutes Ingredients A.  3/4 cup butter 1 cup brown sugar 2 eggs... Read more...
How to Take Care of Your Chasen (Matcha Whisk)
How to Take Care of Your Chasen (Matcha Whisk)
Chasen, the bamboo whisk handcrafted from a single piece of bamboo, has evolved into the shape we know today, perfected to whisk a smooth bowl of matcha without damaging the... Read more...
Creamy Vanilla Matcha Latte Recipe (using HAYATE)
Creamy Vanilla Matcha Latte Recipe (using HAYATE)
Simple is the best. Our founder's favorite vanilla matcha latte is simple yet full of flavor. This sweet, slightly floral, and creamy latte is perfect for your mid-day break. Ingredients... Read more...
Matcha Guide: How to whisk a bowl of matcha (usucha)
Matcha Guide: How to whisk a bowl of matcha (usucha)
Whether you're new to matcha or refining your technique, mastering how to whisk usucha (thin tea) is a beautiful practice to connect with your inner self. Here's a step-by-step guide... Read more...
How to Choose the Right Matcha for You
How to Choose the Right Matcha for You
It's true — not all matcha is created equal. Selecting the right matcha for you involves understanding the characteristics of various matcha grades and how they interact with different ingredients.... Read more...
How chacha maimai began
How chacha maimai began
Healing by reconnecting. Hi there, I'm Yoshie. I'm no tea expert - as someone who grew up in Japan, tea was a part of our daily life. It was a... Read more...