What We Mean by Matcha Tea
When we refer to matcha tea, we simply mean matcha prepared with water—nothing more, nothing less. Within this definition, there is room for many different expressions of matcha, ranging from time-honored traditions to modern, everyday interpretations.
Traditional Matcha Tea
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Usucha (thin tea)
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Koicha (thick tea)
Modern Interpretations of Matcha Tea
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Cold brew matcha
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Matcha shots
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Matcha tea prepared in a lighter, contemporary style
These distinctions exist mainly to help us talk about matcha—but they are not boundaries. Matcha is highly adaptable. By adjusting the ratio of water to matcha powder, you can create a cup that suits your personal taste. Prefer something gentle and refreshing? Use more water or less matcha. Enjoy a bolder, more concentrated cup? Adjust in the opposite direction.
When high-quality matcha is used, there is no single “correct” way to prepare it. The experience matters more than the label.
Is There a Proper Way to Make Matcha Tea?
In general, the answer is no.
That said, usucha and koicha do have established preparation methods, as they are part of Japan’s long-standing tea heritage. If you wish to prepare these traditional forms, following classical ratios and techniques is a way of showing respect for the culture they come from.
Outside of these specific forms, however, matcha tea does not require strict rules. Matcha has always evolved alongside the people who drink it.
For those new to Japanese tea, traditional usucha or koicha may feel intense at first. In such cases, starting with lighter styles—such as cold brew or a milder matcha tea—is often a more enjoyable introduction.
Do You Need to Learn the Tea Ceremony to Enjoy Matcha?
Absolutely not.
The Japanese tea ceremony (chanoyu) is a deeply meaningful cultural practice that takes years of study. It involves specific tools, gestures, and philosophies, many of which are not immediately obvious from the outside.
Even in Japan, most people do not practice tea ceremony, and no tea master would expect newcomers—or visitors—to fully understand or replicate it. Interest is welcome, but participation is never a requirement for enjoying matcha.
Matcha belongs not only to formal ceremony, but also to everyday life. You are free to enjoy it in a way that feels natural to you.
Traditional Preparation: Usucha and Koicha
Usucha
Usucha is the most commonly consumed form of traditional matcha in Japan. It is light, frothy, and expressive when made with good-quality matcha. Even so, its standard proportions may still feel strong for beginners. If matcha is new to you, exploring lighter preparations first can help you ease into its flavor profile.
Koicha
Koicha is much thicker and more concentrated, traditionally reserved for tea ceremonies. Because it uses less water, every nuance of the matcha becomes more pronounced. For this reason, koicha should only be made with top-quality matcha. Beginners are generally encouraged to wait until they have developed an appreciation for matcha before trying this style.
Other Ways to Enjoy Matcha Tea
Cold Brew Matcha
Cold brew matcha is refreshing, smooth, and remarkably easy to prepare. When paired with the right matcha blend, it delivers clean energy and clarity—especially enjoyable in warmer months.
A Lighter Matcha Tea
A more diluted, modern matcha tea offers a clean and refreshing profile, making it approachable for those new to matcha. Compared to traditional usucha, it is gentler and well-suited for daily enjoyment.
What This Means for You
If there is one takeaway, it is this:
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There is no single “proper” way to make matcha tea—only traditional methods for specific styles like usucha and koicha
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Matcha tea is a broad category, not a narrow definition
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You do not need to study tea ceremony to enjoy matcha
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Beginners often benefit from starting with lighter preparations
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How matcha tastes depends greatly on how it is prepared
Rather than focusing on definitions, focus on making matcha taste good to you. With a little guidance and experimentation, matcha can become part of your daily rhythm in a way that feels natural and enjoyable.
At YUZUKI, our recipes exist for one simple reason:
to help you experience matcha in a way that feels balanced, thoughtful, and genuinely pleasurable.
