Our Story
That is the wish Hekiten began with.
Matcha is now loved all over the world. But as it has spread, much of what lies behind it hasn’t always travelled with it — the land where it grows, the craft handed down through generations, and the care of the people who make it.
Along with its flavour, we want to share that story, too.
Not all matcha is the same. Where the leaves are grown, how they are cultivated and how they are processed all shape its flavour and quality.
Yet a place name on a label, or a word like “high quality”, rarely tells you what that difference really is.
We want to be open about the matcha we bring you. Where in Wazuka, Kyoto it is grown, who grows it, and how the leaves are cultivated and turned into matcha — and what matters most to the people who make it.
We believe that when you can see all of this and choose with confidence, trust follows.
What’s happening in matcha today
Importing matcha from overseas and blending it with Japanese matcha to keep prices down.
Selling tea that hasn’t been shade‑grown — the traditional method of covering the plants from sunlight — as matcha, just to keep up with demand.
Using words like “ceremonial grade” or “specialty” to suggest quality, while selling something that isn’t.
These shortcuts exist.
What we stand for
We want to protect Japanese tradition by building a system where farmers who put real care into making good tea are paid fairly for their work.
We believe that is what will allow them to keep growing tea — and to pass it on to the next generation.
This is our hope, and the responsibility we feel we owe to the future.