Matcha Wars: The Secret Behind the World's Favorite Green

I'm genuinely happy to see how many friends are curious about the Japanese word "Ikigai" recently, even if some of us back home find the obsession a bit confusing... Maybe you were expecting a Japanese person like me to stand up here and explain Ikigai...? I might disappoint you 🥺. This time, I want to talk about ANOTHER Japanese word that the world has fallen in love with, in a way that quietly puzzles us at home too. That word is..... "Matcha." This year, I'd love to share why the matcha craze is more meaningful than it might seem. Once you hear about the quiet battle unfolding inside a small village, I hope you'll feel inspired to come and see it for yourself. I know 2026 can make us feel a bit anxious about traveling. But perhaps the best thing I can do is invite you to sit down, pour yourself a cup of green tea 🍵. And somehow, by the end, you might just find yourself wanting to understand Ikigai after all...!