Tsukumo no Shiro is a ceremonial grade matcha crafted by AOI Seicha in Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan’s principal matcha growing regions. It marks the starting point of AOI Seicha’s 2025 ceremonial lineup and sits as the usucha counterpart to Yaeyama, continuing the house’s structured progression of blends from previous years.
Blended for those new to matcha or for those who prefer a medium bodied, gently vegetal style, Tsukumo no Shiro performs beautifully whisked as usucha or prepared with milk. The profile is approachable, offering natural sweetness and a clean, refreshing finish that makes it an easy entry into daily ceremonial matcha without sacrificing depth or refinement.
The powder is a soft, clear green with a deep umami fragrance, layered with notes reminiscent of toasted soy glazed rice cracker and dark chocolate confectionery. The aroma sits comfortably between savoury and delicately sweet, giving the cup a calm, balanced character rather than intensity.
Whisked as usucha, it opens with pure umami and bright vegetal clarity. A gentle sweetness develops through the mid palate, creating a smooth, rounded finish with no sharp edges. The overall impression is clean, steady and quietly refined.
With milk, Tsukumo no Shiro becomes a harmonious latte. Best prepared with moderate milk to preserve its vegetal clarity and natural sweetness. The colour holds beautifully and a soft green melon note emerges, lending the cup a light sweetness and freshness. Balanced and versatile, it is well suited to those beginning their matcha journey and to daily drinkers seeking a ceremonial matcha that performs equally well whisked traditionally or with milk.
Best suited for
- Daily usucha
- Matcha latte preparation, best with moderate milk to preserve vegetal clarity
- Iced usucha over chilled water, coconut water and apple or green grape juice
Weight | 30g Approx. 15 servings per 2g bowl
Origin | Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, Japan
Suggested preparation: 2g matcha | 60–70ml water | 75–80°C
The Producer
AOI Seicha traces its roots to Nishio, Aichi Prefecture, one of Japan's most important matcha producing regions. Tea cultivation in Nishio dates back more than 800 years, while the company's founding family, the Honda family, carries a lineage associated with the Tachi Aoi crest, a symbol closely connected to the hollyhock crest of the Tokugawa shogunate and the samurai traditions of the Mikawa region.
AOI's modern tea business began in 1912 during the early Taisho period, when Yasutaro Honda established tea cultivation under Shunkoen Tea Factory. Drawing upon both the tea heritage of Nishio and generations of Honda family stewardship, AOI Seicha developed into one of the region's most respected matcha specialists. In 1955, the company won the Tencha division at the National Tea Competition, helping cement its standing within Japan's tea industry.
Today, AOI Seicha continues to work with highly regarded growers and competition recognised tea farmers across Japan, refining matcha intended for both traditional tea preparation and contemporary appreciation worldwide. Its teas reflect the qualities for which Nishio has become renowned: sweetness, depth, balance and exceptional performance in both usucha and okōicha.
Storage | Keep airtight and refrigerated. Consume within 4–6 weeks of opening.
Best before dates on matcha are a guideline. When stored correctly kept airtight and refrigerated or frozen the tea maintains its quality well beyond this window. In our experience, it remains stable for up to 12 weeks.
Read about NSW Best Before Guidelines here
