National Matcha Day Date in the current year: May 2, 2025

Matcha is a finely ground green tea powder made from shade-grown tea leaves. This cultivation method enhances the tea’s vibrant green color and rich umami flavor. The umami flavor comes primarily from amino acids, which are present in matcha at about twice the level found in sencha (whole leaf green tea).

Powdered green tea originated in China, but its cultivation and preparation were refined in Japan. In the 16th century, Japanese farmers introduced shade-growing techniques, which significantly increased the amino acid and caffeine content of the leaves. The reduced light also increased chlorophyll production, giving matcha its characteristic bright color. To produce matcha, the harvested leaves are briefly steamed at 100°C (212°F) to halt oxidation and soften them. They are then dried and ground into a fine powder using special equipment.

There are two main types of matcha: koicha (thick tea) and usucha (thin tea). Both are prepared by whisking the powder with hot water, but koicha uses roughly three times more tea with cooler water and is not frothed, resulting in a thicker, more intense brew with a strong umami flavor. Usucha, by contrast, is lighter and whisked to create foam.

Matcha plays a central role in the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, where its preparation and presentation are part of a carefully practiced ritual. It is also used to flavor and dye various foods such as rice cakes (mochi), soba noodles, ice cream, traditional Japanese confectionery (wagashi), chocolate, and matcha latte. For flavoring purposes, inexpensive crushed non-shade-grown tea leaves can be used; their proper name is hunmatsicha.

National Matcha Day was founded in 2021 by Jade Leaf Matcha, a San Francisco-based matcha brand that sells organic matcha sourced directly from Japan. The main goals of the holiday are to honor the rich history of matcha and Japanese tea culture, promote the unique flavor of matcha and its health benefits, and celebrate all things matcha.

The date of May 2 was chosen for the holiday because it is one of the most important days in the traditional Japanese calendar called zassetsu. It is called hachijū hachiya (“88th night”) and is mentioned in the traditional tea picking song “Chatsumi”. Back in the day, it was considered the perfect date to begin the spring tea harvest.

There are many ways to celebrate National Matcha Day. You can splurge on some premium matcha, buy a matcha latte at your favorite coffee shop or make one at home, use matcha in baking, introduce a friend to the magic of matcha, attend a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, or host a Japanese-themed tea party for your friends and family. And don’t forget to post about the holiday on social media using the hashtag #NationalMatchaDay.

National Matcha Day in the United States should not be confused with Matcha Day in Japan, which is celebrated on February 6.