AKI Matcha
AKI Matcha presentation
AKI Matcha brings the authentic taste of Shizuoka Prefecture to your cup through traditional stone-grinding methods perfected over generations. Sourced from shade-grown tea leaves in Hamamatsu, this certified organic matcha honors Japanese tea culture while meeting the exacting standards of ceremonial grade quality. Every batch reflects a commitment to purity, process, and the distinct terroir of one of Japan’s most respected tea-growing regions.
Rooted in Shizuoka’s Tea Heritage
Hamamatsu sits in the heart of Shizuoka, a region responsible for nearly 40% of Japan’s tea production. AKI Matcha sources exclusively from shade-grown tea plants, a cultivation method that increases chlorophyll content and produces the vibrant green color and umami-rich flavor that defines premium matcha. The shading process, typically lasting three to four weeks before harvest, also boosts L-theanine levels, creating the calm alertness matcha drinkers seek.
Stone-Ground the Traditional Way
While many producers have moved to mechanical grinding for efficiency, AKI Matcha maintains the artisanal approach of granite stone mills. This slow process—yielding just 30-40 grams per hour—prevents heat buildup that can compromise flavor and nutritional integrity. The result is a silky-smooth powder with no bitterness, preserving the delicate balance of sweet and savory notes that ceremonial grade matcha demands.
Certified Organic From Leaf to Package
AKI Matcha carries organic certification, ensuring tea plants grow without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers. This commitment extends beyond health benefits to environmental stewardship. The certification process verifies every step from cultivation through processing, giving you confidence in what you’re consuming.
What Sets AKI Matcha Apart
Three factors distinguish this brand in a crowded marketplace:
- Single-origin transparency – Every package traces back to Hamamatsu tea gardens, not blended from multiple sources
- Ceremonial grade consistency – The finest first-harvest leaves only, suitable for traditional whisking or modern lattes
- Artisanal production scale – Small-batch grinding maintains quality control impossible in mass production
For matcha enthusiasts who value authenticity and traditional methods, AKI Matcha offers a direct connection to Japanese tea culture. The vibrant color, smooth texture, and balanced flavor profile make it equally suited for meditative morning rituals or creative culinary applications.
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Matcha produced by AKI Matcha
AKI Matcha offers a comprehensive range of authentic Japanese matcha products, each crafted using traditional methods and organic cultivation practices. Their product line spans from ceremonial grade matcha for traditional tea ceremonies to culinary grade options for cooking and baking applications.
Ceremonial Grade Matcha Collection
Superior Ceremonial Grade (AKI01) represents their premium offering, featuring a 9.5/10 roast level and crafted exclusively from the Okumidori (deep green) cultivar. This exceptional matcha delivers rich umami (savory taste) and a smooth, complex flavor profile that frequently garners awards in Shizuoka competitions. The product is specifically designed for special tea ceremonies and offers an elevated matcha experience.
Imperial Grade (AKI88) stands as the most exclusive matcha in their collection, representing the pinnacle of ceremonial grade quality. Produced in limited quantities, this premium matcha features tea leaves nurtured on their farm in the Tenryu Mountain region, hand-picked by skilled farmers, and shaded with bamboo for an extended period of 30-35 days to maximize chlorophyll and amino acid content.
Their standard Ceremonial Grade matcha incorporates the Saemidori (early green) cultivar, prized for its vibrant green hue and naturally sweet flavor profile with minimal bitterness. This grade is made from the youngest tea leaves, carefully cultivated and harvested to produce matcha with vibrant green color, smooth texture, and rich umami flavor, intended to be enjoyed whisked with water for traditional koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea) preparations.
Premium and Culinary Grades
Premium Grade matcha offers excellent quality at a more accessible price point, potentially featuring the Yabukita cultivar known for its balanced flavor and adaptability. This grade maintains high quality while being suitable for smoothies, lattes, and other beverages, making it ideal for daily consumption where quality and cost balance is desired.
Culinary Grade provides the most economical option, suitable for cooking and baking applications. While less vibrant and slightly more bitter than ceremonial grades, it remains packed with antioxidants and delivers authentic matcha flavor for desserts and culinary creations.
Organic Certification and Quality Standards
All AKI Matcha products are certified organic, holding certifications from JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards), USDA (NOP), EU, and Canada. The company rigorously tests each batch for potential hazards, including radiation and heavy metals, adhering to stringent Japanese and international standards. Products are packaged in sealed containers to preserve freshness and protect from light, heat, and moisture.
History of AKI Matcha
AKI Matcha Co., Ltd. operates from Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan, a region celebrated for its ideal tea cultivation conditions. Located at 1867-1 Aritama Minamimachi, Chūō-ku, Hamamatsu, Shizuoka 431-3122, the company has established itself as a global matcha supplier with 90 years of experience in the industry.
Traditional Cultivation in Prime Territory
The company sources its matcha from Shizuoka Prefecture, with a notable portion coming from the pristine Tenryu Mountain region. This elevated location provides consistent mist, pure air, high altitude, and ample rainfall while avoiding the air pollution found in other matcha-producing areas. The region’s fertile soil and favorable climate create optimal conditions for cultivating high-quality tea plants.
Artisanal Production Methods
AKI Matcha employs traditional Japanese cultivation techniques, including a crucial shade-growing period spanning 20-35 days before harvest. This process elevates chlorophyll and L-theanine production, creating the signature vibrant green color and enhanced umami flavor profile. The company harvests during the first flush of spring in early May, when leaves are at their youngest and most tender.
The production process follows time-honored methods: leaves are hand-picked by skilled farmers, then steamed to prevent oxidation. After drying, the leaves undergo meticulous sorting to remove stems and veins, leaving only pure leaf material called tencha. The final step involves stone-grinding using traditional granite mills, a slow process that can take up to an hour to produce just 20-30 grams of matcha powder.
Quality Standards and Certifications
The company maintains rigorous quality control throughout production, holding multiple organic certifications including JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards), USDA (NOP), EU, and Canada certifications. Each batch undergoes testing for radiation and heavy metals, adhering to strict Japanese and international safety standards.
Product Range and Cultivars
AKI Matcha offers various grades from ceremonial to culinary, utilizing premium cultivars including Saemidori, Okumidori, and Yabukita. Their flagship Imperial Grade (AKI88) represents the pinnacle of their collection, produced in limited quantities with extended 30-35 day shade periods and bamboo covering for maximum chlorophyll and amino acid content.
4 events from AKI Matcha's history
January 1935
Company Foundation Era
AKI Matcha Co., Ltd. began its journey in the matcha industry, establishing 90 years of experience as a matcha supplier. The company was founded during Japan’s traditional tea cultivation period, building on centuries-old techniques in Shizuoka Prefecture.
January 2020
Global Expansion and Certification Achievement
AKI Matcha achieved comprehensive organic certifications including JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards), USDA (NOP), EU, and Canada certifications. The company expanded its global reach, establishing presence on major marketplaces including Amazon, Etsy, and Walmart while maintaining traditional production methods.
January 2024
Imperial Grade Launch and Premium Collection
AKI Matcha introduced its most exclusive Imperial Grade (AKI88) matcha, representing the pinnacle of ceremonial grade quality. This limited-edition product features extended 30-35 day shade periods with bamboo covering, hand-picked leaves from Tenryu Mountain farms, and traditional stone-grinding methods.
January 2025
First Harvest 2025 and Supply Management
Due to surge in global demand, AKI Matcha implemented strategic supply management for their 2025 first harvest matcha. The company extended lead times to 6-8 weeks for wholesale orders and projected inventory completion by November 2025, demonstrating the growing international recognition of their premium matcha quality.
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Frequent questions
Find below some answers to the most common questions about AKI Matcha.
What makes AKI Matcha's AKI88 Imperial Grade different from their AKI01 Superior Ceremonial Grade?
AKI88 Imperial Grade represents the pinnacle of AKI Matcha’s collection, produced in extremely limited quantities from tea leaves grown exclusively on their Tenryu Mountain farm. The leaves undergo an extended 30-35 day shading period with bamboo covers and are hand-picked by skilled farmers.
AKI01 Superior Ceremonial Grade features the Okumidori cultivar with a 9.5/10 roast level, delivering rich umami and smooth complexity perfect for special tea ceremonies. While both are ceremonial quality, AKI88 offers the ultimate exclusivity and extended cultivation process that maximizes chlorophyll and amino acid content.
How long does AKI Matcha's stone-grinding process actually take?
AKI Matcha uses traditional granite mills in a deliberately slow process that takes up to an hour to produce just 20 grams of their superior matcha. This meticulous grinding speed prevents overheating, which could damage the delicate aroma, creamy texture, and nutritional properties that make their matcha exceptional.
Which AKI Matcha grade should I choose if I want the Saemidori cultivar?
The Saemidori cultivar is featured in AKI Matcha’s Ceremonial Grade offerings. This cultivar is prized for its vibrant green hue and naturally sweet flavor profile with minimal bitterness, making it perfect for traditional tea ceremonies where you’ll prepare koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea).
Why does AKI Matcha source specifically from the Tenryu Mountain region in Shizuoka?
AKI Matcha chose the Tenryu Mountain region for its pristine growing environment that includes:
- Consistent mist coverage that naturally protects the tea plants
- Pure air quality free from pollution found in other matcha-producing areas
- High altitude conditions with ample rainfall
- Fertile soil ideal for tea cultivation
This specific terroir allows them to produce matcha with exceptional quality characteristics that reflect the unique environmental conditions of this mountain region.
Can I contact AKI Matcha directly, and what certifications do they hold?
You can reach AKI Matcha Co., Ltd. at [email protected] from their headquarters in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka, Japan. They maintain rigorous organic certification standards with JAS (Japanese Agricultural Standards), USDA (NOP), EU organic, and Canada organic certifications, ensuring their matcha meets international quality benchmarks for organic cultivation and processing.
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