Soumei no Mukashi (聡明之昔) is a ceremonial-grade koicha matcha created by Kanbayashi Shunshō to commemorate the 400th anniversary of Sen no Rikyū—the most influential figure in Japanese tea ceremony history. Favored by Hōunsai, the 15th-generation grand tea master of Urasenke, this distinguished matcha stands out with its rich, full-bodied umami and exceptional vanilla custard notes intertwined with deep verdant spinach character and a hint of walnut. As a koicha, it delivers everything one desires in premium thick tea, while as usucha it transforms into soft, light elegance with persistent vanilla aromas and sweet nectary aftertaste—making it a versatile choice for tea ceremony practitioners seeking both depth and refinement from one of Uji's most historic tea houses.

Why Soumei no Mukashi:

• Perfect for: Koicha thick tea ceremony, usucha thin tea practice, tea ceremony practitioners seeking Urasenke-favored blends, matcha lattes with sophisticated vanilla character, experienced enthusiasts appreciating Sen no Rikyū heritage, and anyone seeking premium ceremonial matcha with exceptional umami depth and zero bitterness.
• Sen no Rikyū Commemorative Blend: Created to honor the 400th anniversary of Sen no Rikyū (1522-1591), the tea master who transformed chanoyu into wabi-sabi philosophy—this matcha embodies the simplicity, refinement, and depth that defined his revolutionary approach to tea ceremony.
• Urasenke Grand Tea Master's Favorite: Personally favored by Hōunsai, the 15th-generation iemoto (grand tea master) of Urasenke—one of the three major schools of Japanese tea ceremony—signifying exceptional quality recognized at the highest levels of tea tradition.
• Rich Vanilla Custard Character: Full-bodied umami balanced with distinctive vanilla custard notes—a luxurious, dessert-like quality that sets this matcha apart, creating creamy sweetness without any bitterness even in concentrated koicha preparation.
• Deep Verdant Complexity: Intertwined with profound spinach-like vegetal notes spiced with walnut undertones—delivers multi-layered complexity where sweet vanilla meets earthy depth, offering sophisticated flavor journey for experienced practitioners.
• Exceptional Koicha Performance: Shines as thick tea with everything desired in premium koicha—rich umami, velvety texture, harmonious balance of intensity and smoothness, ideal for formal tea ceremony where thick tea is served to honored guests.
• Versatile Usucha Elegance: Transforms beautifully as thin tea—soft, light body with persistent vanilla aromas and sweet nectary aftertaste, offering approachable elegance for daily tea practice or when serving multiple guests.
• 460+ Years of Uji Mastery: From Kanbayashi Shunshō, established around 1560—the only surviving descendant of Uji tea masters, one of the "Three Great Tea Houses of Uji" (Uji Sandai Chasho), with unbroken lineage serving tea ceremony schools for centuries.
• Zero Bitterness Profile: Remarkably creamy with no bitter notes even as koicha—makes this an excellent introduction for those new to thick tea while satisfying experienced practitioners seeking refined, approachable character favored by Urasenke tradition.
• Vibrant Green Color: Deep, vivid jade color from carefully selected shade-grown tencha—maintains brilliant appearance in both thick and thin preparations, creating visual beauty essential to complete tea ceremony experience.