Think “Uji Matcha” Means 100% Kyoto-Grown?

Most people believe:

But that is not always true.

Uji Tea Is Not Always 100% Grown in Kyoto

Because of its exceptional quality, Uji has long been regarded as the finest name in Japanese tea.

That is why so many people seek it.

But demand has outgrown the amount of tea Kyoto can produce.

As a result, standards were established that allow tea leaves grown not only in Kyoto, but also in Nara, Shiga, and Mie, to be blended and sold as Uji tea.

In reality, most Uji tea sold today is a blend.

The Problem Is, You May Never Know How Much Was Actually Grown in Kyoto

When the standards for Uji tea were established, no clear minimum percentage of Kyoto-grown tea was specified.

Today, the world is experiencing an unprecedented Matcha boom.

Everyone wants Uji.

And products bearing the Uji name are now sold around the world.

But the words “Uji Tea” alone do not tell you how much of the tea was actually grown in Kyoto.

“Made with Uji Tea” Is Not the Same as “100% Uji Tea”

Outside Japan, the problem becomes even more serious.

The standards used for Uji tea within Japan are not necessarily followed or enforced in the same way overseas.

Matcha from another Japanese prefecture.

Matcha grown in another country.

Lower-cost Matcha from an undisclosed source.

A small amount of Uji tea can be added to any of these, and the product may then be sold as:

Technically, the statement is not false.

The product does contain Uji tea.

But that does not mean everything inside is Uji tea.

And now, an even more serious problem has emerged.

Today, “Uji” Does Not Always Mean the Product Is Even Japanese

In China, companies have registered or applied to register trademarks and business names containing the word “Uji.”

According to investigations by Kyoto Prefecture and other organizations, approximately 3,000 trademark applications and registrations containing names such as “Uji ○○” have been identified across all categories in China.

There have also been confirmed cases of Matcha produced in China being sold under the Uji name.

This issue has been repeatedly reported by Japanese news media.

In other words:

The word “Uji” on a package does not even guarantee that the Matcha was grown in Japan.

How to Choose Authentic Uji Matcha

There are two things you must confirm:

PHENIMAX Tells You Exactly What You Are Drinking

PHENIMAX Uji tea is:

• 100% grown in Japan.
• 100% grown in Kyoto.
• Never blended with Matcha from another prefecture or another country.
• We do not blend in tea from other regions to increase the volume.
• We do not add foreign-grown Matcha to lower the price.
• And we do not hide behind vague phrases such as “Made with Uji Tea.”
• We use only tea leaves grown in Kyoto.

That is what PHENIMAX Uji tea means.

And It Is Organic

Even Uji tea made with 100% Kyoto-grown leaves is rare.

Farms capable of producing it entirely under organic standards are rarer still.

Uji tea that meets both standards is exceptionally rare—even in Japan.

Most Japanese people have never tasted it.

PHENIMAX does not simply sell the name “Uji.”

We deliver the authentic origin and uncompromising quality that the name deserves.

Exceptionally rare, even in Japan:

The harvest is limited.

But we will never blend our tea simply to avoid selling out.

We would rather ask for your patience than compromise what we promised you.

Because once trust is blended away, it can never be restored.

Above all else, we value the trust we build with every customer.