A History of Excellence

You've probably seen hundreds of matchas labeled "ceremonial grade" in stores. The reality? Most of the time, it's just marketing.

A true ceremonial grade matcha is not just a pretty label. It is a tea that meets specific criteria, validated by a tea master. And guess what? Most of the "ceremonial grade" matchas sold today are actually equivalent to our entry-level matcha.

At Kumiko, we did things differently. We worked with Tyas Sosen, the only European tea master, to create a matcha that is truly, truly worthy of the name.

Our matcha is not just a product. It is a story, a journey, an experience...

The Quest for Authentic Ceremonial Grade Matcha

The story between Tyas and me began long before this matcha. I met him when he was already a unique bridge between the West and Japan, the first European to become a tea master of the Enshu-Ryu tea ceremony.

An encounter that would transform my vision of matcha and give rise to an extraordinary project: to create a matcha that would be truly worthy of a traditional ceremony. Not just another marketing product, but a tea that tells a story, that respects every gesture, every code of koicha.

Tyas explained the complexity to me. A true ceremonial grade matcha is not just a matter of taste. It's a philosophy. The ability to produce a smooth froth, a deep green colour, a fineness that transcends a simple drink.

Tyas knew that a true ceremonial grade matcha had to meet almost spiritual criteria.

An Exceptional Terroir

We went to meet Azuma-san, an exceptional producer, on her isolated sloping plot. A unique piece of land that produces the rare and precious Samidori cultivar.

Together, we worked to develop a tea that would be worthy of the grandest ceremonies. Tyas, as a tea master, personally validated each step. He now uses it in his own ceremonies, with tourists and Japanese locals alike.

A rare elegance 

This matcha is the result of the passion of three enthusiasts: Tyas, guardian of traditions, Valentin, explorer of flavours, and Azuma-San, the last heir to a family tradition. 

A sensory experience, a living heritage to be savored like a fine wine, with respect and wonder.

If you want to taste a matcha approved by a tea master, for koicha or everyday consumption, grown by Azuma San, already known for her Ipponmatsu, this ceremonial grade matcha is for you!

Invitation to a Tasting

Discover the secrets of the tea ceremony: watch this video in which Valentin guides us, step by step, through the traditional preparation of matcha, and transform each tasting into a moment of mindfulness.

Meeting with Tyas Sosen

If you would like to experience a tea ceremony with our Tea Master Tyas, I invite you to visit his website.
And if you speak English and want to learn the Art of the tea ceremony, he also offers training courses.