THREE EXPRESSIONS OF YAME: HOW TO CHOOSE BETWEEN SAKURA, TEN, AND MICHI

Not every exceptional matcha should taste the same.

The region, harvest, tea cultivar, and art of blending all shape what appears in the bowl: the depth of umami, the quality of sweetness, the texture on the palate, the aroma, and the character of the finish.

Sakura, TEN, and Michi are three ceremonial-grade matcha selections from Yame, Fukuoka, Japan.

They share a commitment to quality, yet each reveals a different expression of Yame tea.

Sakura is graceful and harmonious.

TEN expresses the smooth, naturally sweet character of a single cultivar: Okumidori.

Michi brings four exceptional Yame cultivars together in a rare and beautifully layered blend.

The question is not simply which one is “best.”

It is which expression belongs in your bowl.

SAKURA — REFINED BALANCE AND QUIET ELEGANCE

Sakura Ceremonial Grade is crafted from carefully selected first-flush tea leaves grown in Yame.

Like the cherry blossoms that inspired its name, Sakura carries elegance within its approachability and a distinct presence within its delicacy.

Its rich umami and natural sweetness are held in beautiful balance. The texture is smooth and silky, the bitterness remains gentle, and the finish is clean and refreshing.

No single element overwhelms the cup. Everything feels beautifully composed.

This makes Sakura especially inviting for someone discovering high-quality ceremonial matcha, while still offering the refinement experienced matcha drinkers expect.

It is equally suited to a quiet morning ritual, a bowl prepared for a valued guest, or a thoughtful gift chosen with care.

Sakura is for those who value:

• A balanced and approachable flavor
• Rich umami with gentle natural sweetness
• A silky texture and clean finish
• A ceremonial matcha suited to both daily rituals and special moments

TEN — THE PURE CHARACTER OF 100% OKUMIDORI

TEN Ceremonial Grade is made exclusively from first-flush Okumidori tea leaves grown in Yame.

Okumidori is a highly regarded Japanese tea cultivar known for its deep, vibrant green color and beautifully rounded flavor.

Compared with more assertive cultivars, it is known for its gentle sweetness, smooth umami, and notably low bitterness.

When whisked, TEN develops a creamy mouthfeel and elegant aroma before finishing cleanly on the palate.

Because TEN is a single-cultivar matcha, its appeal lies in clarity.

There is no attempt to create complexity through blending. Instead, the cup allows the natural character of Okumidori itself to take center stage.

The Japanese character “Ten” (天) means “heaven” or “sky.”

The name suits a matcha that feels pure, vivid, and quietly uplifting.

TEN is for those who value:

• The distinctive character of a single cultivar
• Smooth umami and a creamy mouthfeel
• Gentle sweetness with exceptionally low bitterness
• An elevated matcha for a refined daily ritual

MICHI — FOUR CULTIVARS, ONE REMARKABLE PATH

Michi Ceremonial Grade is a limited-edition blend of four exceptional Yame tea cultivars: Saeakari, Kirari 31, Saemidori, and Tsuyuhikari.

Each cultivar contributes something different.

Saeakari brings rich sweetness and gentle umami.

Kirari 31 adds depth and elegance.

Saemidori gives the blend a smooth, creamy texture.

Tsuyuhikari contributes a fresh and vibrant aroma.

Together, they create a matcha with layers rather than a single dominant note.

It is sweet and elegant on the nose, rich in umami, creamy across the palate, and clean at the finish.

Its minimal bitterness allows a pleasant sweetness to linger long after the final sip.

The Japanese word “Michi” (道) means “path” or “way.”

Here, it represents the path of craftsmanship connecting Yame’s tea fields, distinct cultivars, generations of knowledge, and the finished bowl of matcha.

Produced in limited quantities, Michi is for those who want to explore the harmony that emerges when different cultivars are blended with purpose.

Michi is for those who value:

• A layered and evolving tasting experience
• The harmony of four carefully selected cultivars
• Sweet aroma, rich umami, and a lingering finish
• A limited matcha for collectors, gifts, tea ceremonies, or high-end hospitality

SAKURA, TEN, OR MICHI — WHICH MATCHA IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

If you want harmony and effortless elegance, choose Sakura.

If you are drawn to creamy texture, vivid color, and the pure identity of Okumidori, choose TEN.

If you want to experience the new expression created when four cultivars become one, follow the path of Michi.

HOW TO TASTE THEIR DIFFERENCES

To appreciate the personality of each matcha, begin by preparing it simply as usucha—thin matcha—without milk or sweetener.

As a starting point, sift approximately 2 grams of matcha into a warm bowl. Add 60 to 70 milliliters of water at around 75–80°C (167–176°F), then whisk until the surface develops a fine foam.

You can then adjust the amount of matcha or water to suit your personal preference.

When comparing more than one selection, use the same water, temperature, quantity, and bowl for each.

Begin with the aroma. Then notice the first impression, the texture at the center of the sip, and what remains after swallowing.

The finish often reveals the clearest distinction between different matcha selections.

You may find Sakura calm and beautifully composed.

TEN may feel smooth, vivid, and almost luminous.

Michi may reveal a depth that continues to evolve with every sip.

There is no single correct favorite.

There is only the matcha that speaks most clearly to you.

ONE REGION, THREE WAYS TO EXPERIENCE IT

Yame is one of Japan’s most respected tea-growing regions, celebrated for teas with depth, sweetness, and refined umami.

Sakura, TEN, and Michi show that a single origin does not lead to a single expression.

Sakura represents balance.

TEN represents purity.

Michi represents the beauty created through harmony and complexity.

Three matcha selections.

Three distinctly different experiences.

One shared place of origin: Yame, Fukuoka, Japan.

Discover Sakura, TEN, and the limited-edition Michi, available exclusively online from Mukoh Matcha.