Our Story

Industrial Zen

Redefining the architecture of silence.

A Daily Ritual for Clarity,
Sourced Directly from Uji, Kyoto

ICHIZEN was born from a simple belief: that the act of preparing and drinking matcha should be as intentional as the centuries-old tradition behind it. We bridge the gap between Japan's most revered tea-growing region and the modern world, delivering single-origin Uji matcha with uncompromising quality.


Our name, ICHIZEN (one zen), represents that single moment of focused clarity. The Industrial Zen aesthetic — clean lines, monospace precision, zero unnecessary elements — reflects both the Zen philosophy of stripping away the superfluous and the engineering mindset of optimizing every detail.

What We Stand For

01

Authenticity

100% Uji-origin matcha. No blending with inferior sources. Full traceability from farm to cup. Single-origin, first-flush only.

02

Precision

Traditional granite stone milling at 40g per hour. Nitrogen-flushed packaging. Temperature-controlled from Kyoto to your door.

03

Accessibility

Making Japan's finest matcha available to the world. Shipping to 50+ countries. English and Japanese content. Global DtoC, direct pricing.

Our Timeline

2025

The Idea

Founded in Kyoto with a vision to bring authentic Uji matcha to the global market. Partnerships established with multi-generational tea farms in the Uji region.

2026/7

Brand Launch

ICHIZEN officially launches with the Industrial Zen brand identity. First products ship to Japan, United States, and European markets. DtoC e-commerce platform goes live.

2026

Global Expansion

Expansion to 50+ countries. Launch of subscription service. Introduction of accessories line: chasen, chawan, and curated starter kits.

2027~

Next Chapter

New product lines in development. Community-driven matcha education program. Continued commitment to single-origin quality and global accessibility.

Uji, Kyoto — 800 Years of Tea Heritage

Uji, Kyoto — 800 Years of Tea Heritage

The Uji region of Kyoto Prefecture has been producing Japan's finest tea for over eight centuries. The unique microclimate — river fog, rich soil, and temperate conditions — creates ideal growing conditions for tencha, the shade-grown tea that becomes matcha.

Our partner farms have maintained their craft for generations, combining time-tested cultivation techniques with modern quality standards. Every tin of ICHIZEN matcha represents this unbroken chain of expertise.

Wakimoto Jokoen Co., Ltd.

Green Tea Specialty Wholesaler — Ide, Kyoto

The trade name "Kaneiku" dates back to the early Taisho era, when Wakimoto Ikumatsu transported tea leaves by cart. For over 50 years, the company has refined and processed crude tea in Ide, delivering premium Uji tea to shops across Kyoto and all of Japan — earning the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. ICHIZEN uses only Uji tea selected and processed by Wakimoto Jokoen.

Wakimoto Jokoen finished-tea warehouse
Ranked

Kyoto Pref. Tea-Judging Competition

50yrs+

Years of Heritage

🏆

Minister's Award Winner

From Crude Tea to Finished Product — The Full Refining Process

Crude tea produced by tea farmers is received at the Wakimoto Jokoen factory, where it undergoes a meticulous refining process to become the finished tea that reaches your cup. Over 50 years of experience and a team of graders ranked in the Kyoto Prefectural Tea-Judging Competition guide every step.

01

Receiving & Inspection

Crude tea from across Japan is evaluated by our competition-ranked tea graders on four criteria: appearance, aroma, liquor color, and taste. Only Uji-origin crude tea meeting ICHIZEN's standards is accepted.

02

Sieving & Sorting

Multiple sieves classify leaves by length, thickness, and weight. Stems, powder, and oversized leaves are carefully removed. Wind and electrostatic sorting ensure thorough removal of impurities.

03

Cutting & Shaping

Oversized leaves are cut to the proper size and reintegrated. Shaping ensures even extraction for a consistent, balanced cup every time.

04

Roasting

Using direct flame, hot air, or infrared, temperature and duration are precisely controlled for each tea type. Roasting removes excess moisture, enhances shelf life, and unlocks the tea's true aroma and umami. This is where the tea master's skill truly shines.

05

Blending

Teas from different origins, seasons, and cultivars are combined to achieve the ideal balance of taste, aroma, and color. Blending is the art of the tea master — and the foundation of ICHIZEN's consistent quality.

06

Nitrogen Flush & Packaging

Finished tea is vacuum-sealed in nitrogen-flushed packaging, preventing oxidation and preserving the freshness and aroma from the moment it leaves the factory. The final step in our zero-compromise quality chain, from Kyoto to your door.

Uji Tea Selected by Competition-Ranked Tea Graders

Premium Gyokuro
Premium Gyokuro

Premium Gyokuro

Shaded for over 20 days before harvest, concentrating L-theanine for deep umami. The finest Japanese tea, with rich sweetness and full-bodied depth. Brew with slightly cooled water (50–60°C) to fully unlock its mellow character.

Premium Sencha
Premium Sencha

Premium Sencha

Japan's most beloved tea, made from sun-grown leaves that are steamed and rolled. A harmonious balance of gentle astringency and refreshing aroma pairs beautifully with meals and wagashi. Best brewed at 70–80°C.

Gyokuro Karigane
Gyokuro Karigane

Gyokuro Karigane

A stem tea made from the stalks separated during gyokuro processing. It offers a refreshing sweetness distinct from the leaf, with the elegant umami of gyokuro in a lighter, more approachable form. Perfect for everyday enjoyment or as a thoughtful gift.

Experience Industrial Zen

Discover the clarity that comes from precision, tradition, and a single cup of Uji matcha.

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