While matcha is now synonymous with green tea-based drinks, it has a rich history in Japan that’s closely linked with tradition. What started as a drink for monks has now become one of Japan’s most beloved traditional drinks.
The Early History of Matcha in Japan
While matcha has now become closely connected with Japanese culture, it didn’t originate in Japan. Matcha, also referred to as powdered tea, was first developed in China during the Tang Dynasty (618–907 CE). It was first introduced in Japan by Buddhist monks who traveled to China in search of spiritual knowledge. These monks realized that powdered tea helped them remain alert and calm while they meditated for hours at a time.
Matcha started as a drink for monks, but it slowly began to gain popularity among the aristocracy. It wasn’t only appreciated for its taste but also for its ability to sharpen focus. Drinking matcha became a spiritual experience for monks, who used it to reach enlightenment during long meditations.
Tea cultivation slowly began to take root in Japan in the late 12th century, especially in regions where the climate was suitable for growing tea. Farmers experimented with different cultivation methods, gradually improving the quality of tea.
As tea cultivation slowly improved, matcha also began to taste better. What started off as a spiritual experience slowly began to gain popularity as a drink that not only sharpened focus but also looked aesthetically rich.
How Tea Ceremonies Made Matcha a Tradition in Japan
While matcha is now synonymous with Japan, it was not always so. What really helped matcha gain popularity in Japan were tea ceremonies. These ceremonies were highly ritualized events that were based on making matcha.
Tea masters, who formalized the ceremony in the 16th century, emphasized simplicity, harmony, and mindfulness. Every action, from scooping the powder to whisking it into a frothy foam, had meaning. Matcha was no longer just a drink, but an experience of peace and connection.
These tea ceremonies created an association between matcha and Japanese virtues like patience, respect, and the enjoyment of the present moment. This tradition was passed down through the generations, keeping the ritual and the importance of matcha alive.
Tea ceremonies continue to the present day in Japan, thereby providing the opportunity for the heritage and significance of matcha tea to continue in future generations.
Why Growing Matcha Is So Different from Regular Green Tea
One of the most common misconceptions about matcha is that it’s just ground green tea leaves. While that’s partly true, it is far from the entire truth:
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Shading: Matcha tea plants are shaded from the sun weeks before being harvested. This boosts chlorophyll production, creating the vibrant green color, and increases L-theanine levels.
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Steaming: The leaves are then steamed to stop the oxidation process, followed by careful drying.
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Sorting: The leaves are then sorted to get rid of the stems and veins, leaving only the tender leaves, which are called tencha.
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Grinding: Tencha is then ground into a powder with stone wheels.
This process makes matcha unique. Grinding regular green tea leaves will not get the same results in terms of taste, texture, and quality.
How Matcha Survived Through Changing Times
Japan has gone through many historical transformations, such as the feudal period and the modern era. However, during all of these transformations, matcha tea has remained an integral part of their lives. Even though the tea ceremonies helped the Japanese preserve their traditions, matcha was also made accessible to the general public. Thus, the people enjoyed their matcha at home, and tea shops made it accessible for anyone to enjoy.
Japan saw a huge rise in coffee popularity during the Meiji Era and the period after World War II, driven by Western influences. Nevertheless, matcha maintained its importance through the tea ceremony traditions and everyday consumption.
How Modern Cafes Brought Matcha to New Audiences
Over the past few decades, cafes in Japan have contributed greatly to the popularization of matcha among the younger generation.
Matcha lattes, ice drinks, soft-serve ice cream, and other desserts have made matcha popular again. The younger generation is also enjoying the taste of matcha. Even though they do not attend tea ceremonies, they are aware of the taste of matcha.
Matcha powder is also being used in these cafes, and the quality of the powder is high. The bright green color and the taste of the matcha are being appreciated by the younger generation.
Japanese blogs, cafes, and food channels often share behind-the-scenes processes and recipes, and newly developed matcha products. Many of these sites remain exclusive to Japanese audiences, but international viewers and buyers can read more about ways to access region-locked products and content. As a result, the world outside is also aware of the taste of matcha through modern cafe trends popularized in Japan.
This modern approach has allowed matcha to transcend its traditions while still remaining connected to its roots.
Why Matcha Became Popular Around the World
The popularity of matcha across the globe can be attributed to several factors:
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The Return of Traditions
More people are looking for natural or traditional foods, and since matcha has both a long history and is made in a manner consistent with that history, people who want authenticity are also interested in matcha.
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Visual Appeal
Thanks to its bright green color, matcha is very eye-catching, and combined with the movement of people sharing Instagram and other social media images of their matcha beverages and desserts, it quickly gained global popularity.
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Alternative Source of Energy
Matcha provides a long-lasting source of energy without the jitters associated with coffee; as such, its popularity has also increased among people looking for alternatives to coffee.
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Health and Wellness
The antioxidants and other nutrients that matcha provides are of interest to people concerned about their overall health, fitness, and well-being.
The above reasons helped spur the rapid growth of the popularity of matcha around the world.
How Matcha Remains Important in Japanese Life Today
While matcha is well-loved and regularly consumed around the world, it has a strong association with daily life in Japan. Matcha can be found in homes where families use it for drinks and desserts for both family members and guests.
It’s often served at special occasions, such as tea ceremonies or festivals, in seasonal desserts, and as a beverage. Matcha is also enjoyed all year round in Japan. Tea schools still exist today, and the tea ceremony continues to be part of their curriculum to pass on ancestral wisdom to newer generations.
As the younger generation finds new ways to consume this versatile foodstuff by creating new beverage and snack ideas, the mix of tradition and imagination continues to ensure that matcha continues to be cherished from generation to generation.
A Drink That Connects Past and Present
Matcha has evolved from a spiritual ritual drink to an everyday pleasure you can get at every cafe in Japan. Matcha continues to link together all the years between when it was created and today. Whether you’re at a quiet tea room or drinking matcha at a busy cafe, the links to tradition are still very strong. As a result, even after hundreds of years and many generations, many of the most enjoyable beverages in Japan today are made with matcha.
FAQs about Matcha History
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About the author
Kei Nishida
Author, CEO Dream of Japan
Certification: PMP, BS in Computer Science
Education: Western Washington University
Kei Nishida is a passionate Japanese tea and coffee connoisseur, writer, and the founder and CEO of Japanese Coffee Co. and Japanese Green Tea Co., both part of Dream of Japan.
His journey began with a mission to introduce the world to the unparalleled quality of Japanese green tea. Through Japanese Green Tea Co., he established the only company that sources premium tea grown in nutrient-rich sugarcane soil—an innovation that led to multiple Global Tea Champion awards.
Building on this success and his passion for Japanese craftsmanship, Kei expanded into the world of coffee, pioneering the launch of Japanese Coffee Co., the first company to bring Sumiyaki charcoal-roasted coffee to a global audience. His dedication to authenticity and quality ensures that this traditional Japanese roasting method, once a well-kept secret, is now enjoyed worldwide.
Beyond tea and coffee, Kei has also introduced Japan’s legendary craftsmanship to the world through Japanese Knife Co., making handmade katana-style knives—crafted by a renowned katana maker—available outside Japan for the first time.
Kei’s journey continues as he seeks out and shares the hidden treasures of Japan, one cup and one blade at a time.
Learn more about Kei
