Matcha accessories glossary: the words, explained
Japanese names can make matcha tools sound complicated. They are not. Here is every term you are likely to meet, in plain words.
The tools
These are the pieces you will find in a set; our guide to building a matcha ritual explains how they work together, and the overview of whisk types goes deeper on the whisk.
Chasen
The bamboo whisk, carved from one piece of bamboo and split into fine curled tines. It dissolves the powder and creates the foam. In-depth: what is a chasen.
Hosaki
The tips of the chasen's tines — the curled part that touches the bowl.
Kusenaoshi
The ceramic whisk holder (literally "shape corrector"). The whisk dries on it tines-down so it keeps its bell shape.
Chawan
The matcha bowl. Wide with a flat bottom so the whisk can move freely.
Katakuchi
A bowl with a pouring spout. Handy for pouring matcha into a glass for lattes or sharing between cups.
Chashaku
The thin, curved bamboo scoop used to measure matcha. One heaped scoop is roughly 1 g.
Furui (sifter)
A fine-mesh sieve used to break up clumps of powder before whisking.
Natsume
A small lidded caddy, traditionally lacquered, used to hold matcha during a tea ceremony. At home, an airtight tin does the job.
Chakin
A small white linen cloth used to wipe the bowl.
Fukusa
A silk cloth used in formal tea ceremony to purify the scoop and caddy. Rarely used at home.
The preparations
Usucha
"Thin tea": the light, frothy matcha most people drink. About 1.5–2 g with 70–80 ml of water, whisked briskly.
Koicha
"Thick tea": a much more concentrated preparation, almost like paint, kneaded slowly rather than whisked. Needs a sturdy whisk with fewer tines.
Matcha latte
A whisked matcha shot topped with milk, hot or iced.
The setting
Chanoyu / chadō
The Japanese tea ceremony — a codified ritual of preparing and serving matcha. You do not need to follow it to enjoy a calm daily cup at home.
Temae
The specific sequence of gestures in a tea ceremony.
Shop by tool
Each of these tools is available separately; the classic bamboo chasen is the first one to get. Browse everything in the matcha accessories collection. We sell tools only — never tea.
Léo Matcha sells matcha accessories only — no matcha tea or powder. Use the matcha you already love.
Tools mentioned in this guide
Keep reading
What is a chasen? The bamboo matcha whisk explained
What a chasen is, how a bamboo matcha whisk is made, its parts (tines, knot, handle), bamboo types and how to recognise a well-made one.
Read the guide →
What's in a matcha kit? Each piece, explained
Whisk, bowl, scoop, sifter, holder: what a matcha kit contains, what each tool does, which pieces are essential and which are nice to have.
Read the guide →