From Sawtelle with Love: Our "On-gaeshi"
Luna Matcha wasn't born in a corporate boardroom; it was born from a decade of conversations at Lune Noir, our Japanese lifestyle boutique on Sawtelle Boulevard. In the heart of West LA’s "Little Osaka," we’ve spent years sharing Japanese craftsmanship with our neighbors.
As first-generation Japanese immigrants, our boutique has always been more than a shop—it’s a bridge. Luna Matcha is our "On-gaeshi"—a heartfelt gesture of gratitude to the California community that welcomed us. We wanted to give back something that truly matters: Health and Ritual.
A Promise from Our Family to Yours
Luna Matcha is more than a business; it is a personal mission for our small family. As first-generation Japanese immigrants raising our children in California, we wanted to create something that bridges our two homes.
When we say "On-gaeshi" (恩返し), we mean a promise of purity and health. We personally select every farm in Kagoshima, work with Tea Master Mori, and manage every tin that leaves our LA studio. We treat our customers like neighbors on Sawtelle Boulevard—because to us, you are. When you choose Luna Matcha, you are supporting a 530-year legacy of artisans and a small family dedicated to preserving it.
Why Kagoshima? The Future of Organic Matcha
If Kyoto is the Bordeaux of tea—bound by centuries of rigid tradition—Kagoshima is its Napa Valley: bold, innovative, and forward-thinking.
While traditional Kyoto matcha often faces barriers in meeting modern organic standards, Kagoshima’s farmers have mastered the art of Premium Organic Cultivation. We chose Kagoshima because we believe your daily ritual should be as clean as it is delicious. Powered by nutrient-dense volcanic soil and pristine springs, our matcha offers a vibrant emerald hue and silky umami that Kyoto's non-organic counterparts simply cannot match.
The Guardian of Flavor: Master Hiroyuki Mori
To bring this vision to life, we partnered with Master Hiroyuki Mori, one of Japan’s most elite Tea Masters (one of only 23 to hold the highest rank). By marrying Mr. Mori’s 140-year family legacy with Kagoshima’s bold volcanic profile, we’ve crafted a signature blend that honors the ancient craft while vibrating with the energy of Los Angeles.
Community-First, Always
You won't find Luna Matcha on Amazon. We are a local Los Angeles brand, first and foremost. We value the face-to-face connections built at Sawtelle and local events like OC Japan.
By importing directly from Kagoshima to our LA studio, we ensure the freshest harvest reaches you with domestic speed. Whether you visit us on Sawtelle or find us online, you aren't just buying tea—you’re joining a community dedicated to the art of living well.
Curating Heritage:
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Beyond the Whisk
We believe Japanese elegance shouldn't feel like a dusty relic; it should enrich your modern American lifestyle. This is why we are proud to be an Authorized U.S. Retailer—not just an importer—for some of Japan's most prestigious traditional crafts.
From the 500-year legacy of Suikaen Takayama Chasen to the sparkling precision of Edo Kiriko, every item in our collection is hand-selected to bring a touch of Japanese excitement to your daily life.
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Koransha (Arita Porcelain)
KoranshaOften referred to as the "Meissen of Japan," Koransha is a purveyor to the Imperial Household Agency. We curate their most modern, sophisticated pieces that blend seamlessly into contemporary homes.
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Kagami Crystal (Edo Kiriko)
Kagami CrystalAs the supplier of 100% of the glassware used by the Imperial Household and Japanese embassies worldwide, Kagami represents the pinnacle of Japanese glass art.
