My matcha experience mirrors three stages of my life: survival, living, and life.
When I lived in Japan, matcha was just a bitter green drink to me. I didn’t have the time or energy for the traditional tea ceremony, and my focus was elsewhere.
I was working tirelessly to support my family, pushing through long days to make ends meet. Looking back, my life in Japan was about survival—much like the bitterness I associated with matcha during that time.
Years later, with some blessings, my family and I moved to the United States after
I landed a job with a Fortune 500 company. One summer, during a work assignment in New York, we discovered matcha ice cream at a small restaurant. It quickly became our weekend ritual—a moment of joy we eagerly anticipated.
Looking back, my life in the US was about living—finding fleeting pleasures, like the weekend matcha ice cream that brought happiness.
As time passed, and with more blessings, my family and I moved to Europe—settling in Prague, Czech Republic, after I accepted a new project. Here,
I encountered matcha again, but this time, it was different. The CEO
of Zenmarket.cz introduced me to specialty matcha—a far cry from the bitter drink of my past. The first sip was transformative. “Wow, delicious! Is this what matcha is supposed to taste like?” I thought.
Curious, I began researching the meticulous process behind specialty matcha: shading the leaves before harvest, stone milling, and crafting a balance of flavors with preserved nutrients. It was more than just a drink; it was a ritual of care and precision.
This discovery reminded me of my own journey—how meeting genuine friends and cultivating inner quality awakened me to what I truly want to become.
As I continue to live in Europe, my life feels richer and more purposeful, surrounded by people who willingly cultivate their inner quality and reshape their habits. Reflecting on the three stages of my life, matcha symbolizes the growth of this journey—from an ignorable bitter tea to a sweet indulgence to a meaningful ritual.
by 素直
Comments