Tea came from China to Japan in the 8th century, at the end of the 12th century powdered tea (the origin of matcha) became popular with Zen buddhist monks. In the 16th century the art of tea ceremony was formalized, and from there it became a commonly drunk beverage and commodity. Japan is known primarily for it’s umami-rich green teas, including matcha, as well as roasted green teas like houjicha, but it also has more niche red and fermented teas that I hope to showcase to you.