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Ceremonial Grade · Single Origin · Wazuka, Kyoto

Japan's finest matcha. Direct from the source.

Hajime is our first-flush ceremonial grade matcha from a 4-generation family farm in Wazuka, Kyoto — stone-milled, organic, and unlike anything else available in South Africa.

★★★★★ 5.0 out of 5 verified reviews

R 629.10

R 699.00

40g · free shipping over R1,000

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✦ Organic

✦ First Flush Harvest

✦ Wazuka, Kyoto

✦ Direct from Farm

✦ Stone Milled

✦ 5.0 Rating

The Hajime difference

A 4-generation family farm. One cultivar. No shortcuts.

During our first trip to Japan, this was the last farmer we visited — and yet the one who became our first release. Their farm in Wazuka, Kyoto has been passed through four generations of a family who genuinely care about doing it right.

Hajime (はじめ) means "beginning" — a first chapter. It represents everything we believe matcha should be: single-origin, transparent, and crafted with integrity.

Okumidori is a cultivar known for its vivid green colour, natural sweetness, and smooth finish. Shade-grown for 25–30 days before a first-flush May harvest, then slowly stone-milled to preserve every nutrient and flavour compound.

Cultivar

Okumidori

Harvest

May 2025 · First flush

Shade grown

25–30 days

Milling

Stone milled

Region

Wazuka, Kyoto

Organic

Tasting notes

“Rich and velvety, with profound layers of umami and a refined sweetness — a smooth creamy finish layered with fresh notes.”

The problem with most matcha

Most matcha isn't what you think it is.

Before you spend money on matcha, here's what the industry doesn't tell you.

80%

Problem

Of global matcha is fake

Most "matcha" is grown outside Japan and skips the slow traditional methods that create real flavour and nutrition. You're paying for green powder, not matcha.

3rd

Problem

Harvest = bitter & astringent

Most matcha uses 2nd and 3rd harvest leaves — older, tougher, less nutritious. That bitterness you've tasted before? That's the problem, not the plant.

Problem

Middlemen dilute quality

Factories and agencies sit between farmer and cup, cutting corners and marking up prices — while the actual farmer and quality both suffer.

Is R 699.00 expensive?

Let's break it down.

You buy quality once. You pay for café matcha every time you order.

R 90.00+ Per cup

average café for matcha with oat milk in Cape Town

Usually cooking-grade and not organic or 100% pure

R 34.95 Per cup

per cup at home. A 40g tin = 20 cups, full price.

With 10% off today: R 31.45 per cup — 65% less than a café latte.

With our 40g tin pay R 31.45 per cup with 10% off

Organic Ceremonial grade from Wazuka, Kyoto — not the lower grade most cafés use.

Why MotherMatcha exists

It started with a cup in Copenhagen.

"I wasn't willing to push yet another average matcha just to make money or ride the trend."

In 2017, on a trip through Copenhagen with my mom, I walked into a quiet vegan café called Souls. I saw matcha on the menu and ordered one. Then I ordered another for takeaway — way over my South African budget — and took a photo, cup in hand, with the neat little streets in the backdrop. I had no idea that small moment would shape the next decade of my life.

Back home, I couldn't find real matcha anywhere in South Africa. I started collecting Japanese brands on every trip abroad. Eventually, I co-launched a coffee business and we tried to bring a matcha product to market. After selling about 30 units, I pulled it. It wasn't up to my standards, and I wasn't going to push something average.

So we booked flights to Japan — because for us, it's always been about the people, not just the product. We rented a tiny car, drove the winding roads of Japan's tea-growing regions, and visited farmers in person. Huddled on tatami floors, we talked for hours about life, craft, and everything in between. Hajime is our first release — from the last farmer we visited on that trip, and the one who moved us most.

— Steph, Founder of MotherMatcha

Wazuka, Kyoto — where Hajime is grown

Real reviews, real people

Join us and see what South Africa is saying

5.0★★★★★

5.0 ★★★★★

As a big matcha lover, I've tried matcha all over Cape Town, and nothing compares to this one. It's naturally sweet, smooth, and incredibly indulgent — the quality is truly unmatched. Easily the best matcha I've had.

Kayla Horn

Verified review · March 2026

I tried the matcha and honestly it is up there with my favourites and I'm not even lying. Good job, really.

Nicola · April 2026

It's so so good and love the packaging !

Abbi · March 2026

The colour, texture and taste — blown away. I think I just found my new favourite matcha brand.

Tash G · April 2026

SO happy I found this brand!!!! Thank you!

Carli · February 2026

As seen on Instagram

Real people. Real cups.

Customers sharing their Hajime moments.

Photos from real customers — shared on Instagram because they wanted to, not because they were paid to post.

@noostrition

@abbi.palombo

@josie.wild

Never made matcha before?

It's easier than you think.

Two ways to enjoy Hajime — both take under 5 minutes.

Hot Latte

1Sift 2–4g of matcha into your bowl to prevent clumps
2Soak your bamboo whisk 30–60 seconds to soften the tines
3Add a splash of hot water and whisk in a fast zig-zag motion until frothy
4Top with warm milk, pour into your cup, and enjoy

Iced Latte

1Sift 2–4g and whisk with cold water until fully dissolved
2Fill a glass with ice and your choice of milk
3Pour the matcha concentrate over the top
4Stir, sip, and enjoy — great for the sweeter notes

Common questions

Before you buy

How many cups does 40g make?

At 2g per serving you'll get around 20 cups. At 3–4g for a stronger cup, around 10–13. Most people settle at 2–3g, giving 13–20 servings per tin.

What's the difference between ceremonial and cooking grade?

Ceremonial grade is first-flush, shade-grown, stone-milled from the youngest leaves — meant to be drunk as a latte, naturally sweet and vibrant green. Cooking grade is lower harvest, more bitter, intended for baking. Hajime is ceremonial grade only.

Is it actually worth R 699.00 vs. cheaper matcha?

At roughly R 34.95 per cup from this tin, Hajime costs a fraction of a café latte — and it's higher quality than most café matcha. The price reflects direct sourcing from a single farm in Japan, first-flush harvest, and stone-milling. You're paying for the actual matcha, not a brand markup.

Where exactly does the matcha come from?

Wazuka, Kyoto — one of Japan's most celebrated matcha-growing regions, known for its rolling hills and cool climate. We visited the farm in person and buy directly from the family. No middlemen, no mystery.

Can I drink it every day?

Yes — and we'd encourage it. Matcha contains L-theanine which creates calm, focused energy without the jitteriness or crash of coffee. Many of our customers use it as their daily morning ritual.

How do I store it?

Keep in an airtight container away from light and heat. Refrigerate after opening and use within 1–2 months for best flavour and colour. Unopened tins can be frozen — let them reach room temperature before opening to avoid condensation.

Start your matcha ritual today.

Japan's finest ceremonial grade, delivered to your door.

2XL8VWPS

Add Hajime to cart — 10% off

5.0 · 5 verified reviews Free Shipping Over R1,000 Organic Direct from the Farm