EP 195 Matcha, Culture, and Clarity: A Japanese-American Perspective

About this episode

Candice Kumai shares insights on matcha, its cultural significance, and the current global demand.

In this episode, I’m sharing the real story behind matcha — where it comes from, why it’s special, and what’s actually happening right now with the global demand and supply. After nearly two decades working in Japanese culinary culture and tea education, I wanted to give you a clear, respectful guide to understanding matcha the right way. I walk you through the regions that shape its flavor, the history that shaped its ceremony, and why Japanese politeness often keeps the deeper truths from being spoken. I also talk about what it feels like to watch a part of my heritage become a trend, and why it’s so important to learn from Japanese voices, farmers, authors, and journalists. If you love matcha or want to understand Japanese culture with more depth and care, this episode is for you.

People in this episode

Host: Candice Kumai

Topics covered

• matcha
• Japanese culture
• culinary education
• heritage
• global demand

Keywords

• matcha
• Japanese culture
• culinary
• tea education
• heritage
• global supply

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Japanese culinary culture, Japanese voices, Japanese farmers, Japanese authors, Japanese journalists

Products: matcha

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