Challenge

The global matcha market is heating up—and Japan isn’t the only player in the game. As demand for the vibrant green powder soars, China is closing the gap, with producers refining techniques once dismissed as inferior. Japanese tea industry leaders, after tasting Chinese matcha, are split: some praise its bold flavor and affordability, while others warn of a threat to tradition. This isn’t just about competition; it’s a clash of histories, methods, and claims to authenticity. Matcha’s roots trace back to China’s Song Dynasty (960–1279), where “Diancha” or “Mocha” was a powdered tea ritual. The practice later migrated to Japan,…