Description
Kanza (閑坐)
Premium Ceremonial Grade Japanese Matcha for Koicha with Deep Umami and a Silky Smooth Texture
Tea Type: Premium Ceremonial Grade Japanese Matcha / Green Tea Powder
Quality Class: The Highest Ranking Matcha in Ippodo Tea’s Lineup
Recommended Preparation: Best enjoyed as Koicha; also suitable for Usucha
Package: 20g Box
Recommended For: Koicha, Japanese tea ceremony, formal tea occasions, serving honored guests, quiet contemplation and premium gifting
Product Overview
Kanza is the highest ranking matcha in Ippodo Tea’s lineup. This premium ceremonial grade Japanese matcha offers an unparalleled depth of flavor, beautifully powerful fragrance, unwavering umami, refined sweetness and an exceptionally silky mouthfeel.
Kanza is made from carefully selected young tea leaves cultivated under deep shade. Protecting the tea plants from sunlight helps suppress excessive astringency while encouraging the development of concentrated sweetness and umami. The tender young leaves used for this special class of matcha are carefully handpicked and produced only in limited quantities.
This distinguished Japanese matcha is best enjoyed as Koicha, the traditional thick tea served during formal Japanese tea ceremony occasions. Using only a small amount of water brings out Kanza’s deep umami, rich fragrance, luxurious sweetness and smooth texture. It may also be prepared as Usucha for a lighter yet still full-bodied and aromatic bowl of matcha.
Flavor Profile
- Deep, powerful and unwavering umami
- Rich yet refined natural sweetness
- Strong and beautifully defined fragrance
- Full-bodied and substantial flavor
- Exceptionally smooth and silky mouthfeel
- Complex and multifaceted character
- No harsh bitterness or astringency
- Clean, elegant and remarkably deep finish
- Magnificent vivid green color
Recommended Preparation – Koicha
Koicha is the foremost recommended preparation for Kanza. This traditional thick matcha preparation allows its concentrated umami, refined sweetness, powerful fragrance and silky texture to be experienced at full strength.
- Sift approximately 4g of matcha into a warmed and thoroughly dried tea bowl
- Add approximately 30ml of hot water at 80°C
- Slowly knead the matcha with a chasen for approximately 15 seconds
- Continue until the matcha becomes thick, glossy and completely smooth
- Koicha should have an even, silky consistency without a layer of foam
Preparation – Usucha
Kanza may also be enjoyed as Usucha. This lighter preparation highlights its powerful aroma, vivid green color and clean finish while retaining its substantial sweetness and umami.
- Sift approximately 2g of matcha into a warmed tea bowl
- Add approximately 60ml of hot water at 80°C
- Whisk briskly with a chasen for approximately 15 seconds
- Whisk quickly to release the fragrance and create a fine, even foam
Koicha and Usucha Serving Guide
- Koicha: Approximately 4g of matcha with 30ml of water at 80°C
- Usucha: Approximately 2g of matcha with 60ml of water at 80°C
- Koicha Servings: Approximately 5 bowls per 20g box
- Usucha Servings: Approximately 10 bowls per 20g box
Recommended Occasions
- Preparing traditional Koicha for a Japanese tea ceremony
- Serving premium matcha to honored or important guests
- Celebrating an important milestone or special occasion
- Practicing formal Japanese matcha preparation
- Enjoying a quiet moment of contemplation and concentration
- Beginning an important day with a rich bowl of matcha
- Refreshing the mind before demanding work or study
- Offering as a prestigious Japanese tea gift
How to Enjoy Kanza
Ippodo Tea recommends enjoying Kanza straight, without milk, sweeteners or additional flavoring. Preparing it as pure matcha allows its deep, powerful umami and rich fragrance to remain present from the first sip through the long finish.
For the fullest experience, prepare Kanza in a quiet setting and take time to appreciate the sound of the water, the movement of the chasen, the fragrance rising from the tea bowl and the matcha’s evolving flavor. Its deep and luxurious character is especially suited to moments of focus, reflection and contemplation.
Although Kanza can be enjoyed with traditional Japanese confectionery, its complex flavor and long-lasting umami are best appreciated without food or other distractions.
Japanese Tea Ceremony Matcha
Kanza is particularly suited to Koicha, the concentrated form of matcha traditionally served during formal Japanese tea ceremony gatherings. Its smooth texture, abundant umami and restrained astringency allow it to be prepared at a high concentration while maintaining an elegant and balanced flavor.
It may also be prepared as Usucha for guests who prefer a lighter bowl. When whisked as thin tea, Kanza retains its premium fragrance and vivid green appearance while offering a cleaner and more refreshing drinking experience.
Product Specifications
Brand: Ippodo Tea
Japanese Brand Name: Ippodo Chaho (一保堂茶舗)
Product Name: Kanza (閑坐)
Japanese Reading: Kanza (かんざ)
Product Type: Premium Ceremonial Grade Japanese Matcha / Green Tea Powder
Quality Class: The Highest Ranking Matcha in Ippodo Tea’s Lineup
Recommended Style: Koicha; also suitable for Usucha
Ingredients: Green tea (Japan)
Country of Origin: Japan
Net Weight: 20g
Package Type: Box
Package Dimensions: W5.2 × D5.0 × H6.5cm
Approximate Koicha Servings: 5 servings at approximately 4g per bowl
Approximate Usucha Servings: 10 servings at approximately 2g per bowl
Shelf Life: 120 days unopened
Official Product Code: 5038731
Manufacturer: Ippodo Tea Co., Ltd.
Manufacturer Address: 52 Tokiwagi-cho, Teramachi-dori Nijo-agaru, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto 604-0915, Japan
Storage Instructions
- Store unopened matcha in a cool, dark and dry place
- Keep away from direct sunlight, excessive heat, humidity and strong odors
- After opening, close the package tightly after each use
- For the finest color, fragrance and flavor, consume promptly after opening
- During hot weather, refrigeration in a low-odor vegetable compartment may be used
- When refrigerated, allow the unopened package to return to room temperature before opening
- Opening cold matcha immediately may cause condensation and affect its quality
Preparation Tips
- Sift the matcha immediately before preparation to remove natural clumps
- Preheat the tea bowl and wipe it completely dry before adding the matcha
- Use fresh, soft water whenever possible for a smooth and balanced flavor
- For Koicha, knead slowly and evenly instead of whisking rapidly
- Avoid creating foam when preparing traditional Koicha
- For Usucha, whisk quickly to release the fragrance and create fine foam
- Using slightly cooler water can emphasize Kanza’s mellow sweetness and umami
- Adjust the amount of water slightly according to your preferred strength and texture
Why Choose Kanza?
- The highest ranking matcha in Ippodo Tea’s lineup
- Premium ceremonial grade Japanese matcha for traditional preparation
- Foremost recommended for rich and luxurious Koicha
- May also be prepared as full-bodied and aromatic Usucha
- Deep, powerful and unwavering umami
- Refined sweetness without harsh bitterness
- Strong, beautifully defined fragrance
- Exceptionally smooth and silky mouthfeel
- Magnificent vivid green color
- Made from carefully cultivated, deeply shaded young tea leaves
- Carefully handpicked and produced only in limited quantities
- Ideal for formal tea ceremonies, honored guests and premium gifting
Important Notes
- Ceremonial Grade is an international market term describing matcha suitable for drinking straight and for traditional tea preparation
- Kanza is officially described by Ippodo Tea as the highest ranking matcha in its lineup
- Small clumps may form naturally during storage or transportation; sift before use
- Natural variations in color, fragrance and flavor may occur between production lots
- Matcha readily absorbs moisture and odors, so keep the package tightly sealed