#Japan #Nagano #Zenkyu Matcha #Earthboat #Matcha Ritual

A Unique Matcha Experience Unfolds at Earthboat Kurohime

From September 28 to 29, 2025, a remarkable collaboration event took place in the serene surroundings of Kurohime Plateau, Nagano Prefecture, spearheaded by Zenkyu Matcha, renowned for its premium matcha, and Earthboat, an outdoor hotel committed to connecting people with nature. This event was designed to allow participants to immerse themselves in the delicate ritual of preparing and tasting matcha, aimed at nurturing both mental and physical well-being through the principles of mindfulness and wellness found within tea culture.

Welcoming Participants with Unique Matcha Latte

Upon arrival at Earthboat Kurohime, guests were greeted with a special matcha latte crafted by Zenkyu Matcha. This delightful beverage featured the "Uji Latte Blend," made from the finest Uji tea, stone-ground to ensure an exquisite flavor that pairs perfectly with any type of milk. When combined with oat milk, it achieved a smooth and deeply satisfying taste. Using Earthboat Kurohime’s spring water for this preparation enhanced the matcha's natural umami and sweetness, garnering rave reviews from participants.

Feedback included remarks like, "The oat milk and Uji matcha combination was a revelation; I could truly appreciate the rich flavor of the matcha," and "I was surprised by its natural sweetness even without syrup."

Outdoor Matcha Preparation Experience

The next morning, in the fresh, crisp air, participants gathered by the lakeshore at Earthboat for an experiential matcha preparation session. Utilizing Zenkyu Matcha's premier "Signature Blend," which is characterized by its robust flavor and vibrant green color, attendees engaged in a calming ritual. They took a moment to breathe deeply, settling their minds before warming spring water and crafting their own matcha.

As they enjoyed their creations, guests expressed their delight, saying things like, "I was surprised by how easy it was to make my own matcha, and I feel that I can incorporate this into my daily life," and "Sipping matcha while breathing in the fresh air created a moment unlike any other." The experience was enriched when enjoyed alongside local sweets, which beautifully complemented the matcha's flavors.

Insightful Dialogue: Taking a Break is Not Negative

The event also included a profound discussion featuring Goh Yoshihara from Earthboat and Kenryo Suji from Zenkyu Matcha. They exchanged thoughts on the often-overlooked value of pausing and retreating in today's fast-paced society, emphasizing their brand missions. With cups of matcha in hand, they shared insights on how nature and the act of preparing matcha can serve as vital moments for introspection.

Goh Yoshihara remarked, "In an age where urban living is the norm, there's a deep-seated yearning to engage with nature and facilitate that experience for the next generation. Our goal is to provide that initial step into 'Nature Escape'."

Kenryo Suji added, "With everyone constantly responding to the demands of others, it becomes increasingly important to consciously create space for oneself. Moments spent preparing matcha can become an opportunity to reflect on what truly brings happiness."

Future Developments and Collaboration Opportunities

Looking ahead, Zenkyu Matcha aims to continue promoting health and mindfulness through matcha experiences. Upcoming events include participation in high-end real estate showcases and collaborations with cosmetic brands, as well as an international event in Bangkok, Thailand.

Zenkyu Matcha is also seeking collaboration partners who resonate with their vision and wish to co-create wellness experiences centered around matcha. Interested brands and individuals are encouraged to reach out, as Zenkyu Matcha aspires to share their premium matcha and the essence of tea culture with a global audience.

About Zenkyu Matcha

Zenkyu Matcha, founded on the principles of tea ceremony and Zen philosophy, represents a unique matcha brand based in Tokyo. Their mission is to encourage moments of mindfulness in the busy lives of individuals through the practice of matcha preparation and consumption. They emphasize the use of the highest quality Uji tea, ground meticulously by skilled artisans, offering a product known for its rich flavor, aroma, and vibrant green hue. To enhance the matcha experience, Zenkyu Matcha collaborates with artists to create elegant tea utensils. Discover more about their offerings at Zenkyu Matcha’s official website and on Instagram @zenkyu_matcha_jp.

Meet the Founder

Kenryo Suji, founder of Zenkyu Matcha and CEO of BLUEGON, was born in Tokyo in 1989. With over ten years in marketing at Procter & Gamble, Suji transitioned to the matcha industry, inspired by the transformative power of tea and meditation. His vision is to spread wellness through matcha rituals.

Contact: BLUEGON (Zenkyu Matcha operations) – Kenryo Suji – Email: [email protected] – Location: 9th Floor, Saka no Tsuji Square, 5-36-4 Shiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo.