The Chasen is a traditional tool that has been gracing Japanese matcha ceremonies for hundreds of years. Crafted by Japanese chasen artisans who are trained for years, it is from a single piece of bamboo.

The History: From China to Japanese Tea Ceremonies

You might be surprised, not in Japan, Chasen originated in China Tang dynasty, it was Japanese Buddhist monk Myoan Eisai who refined it for matcha ceremonies. He is known as the first person who brought the concept of tea art (as well as chasen) back to Japan.

The Chasen is a delicate and specialized tool designed for whisking Matcha, a finely ground powder of specially grown and processed green tea.

Size and shapes of Chasen bamboo brush

The Chasen can vary in shape and size, each unique to its purpose. Traditionally, depends on the number of prongs (from 80, 100 and 120 prongs), materials and length, there are 9 different variations in total.

Why a Chasen is still better than Blenders, Spoons, and Handheld Whisks

• It creates the creamy froth easily, and also reduces the bitterness.

• Mixes (not dissolves) matcha, eliminating clumps.

• Preserves antioxidants by avoiding metal blades (blenders oxidize tea).

The matcha whisk is designed not only to mix but to aerate the tea, creating that signature creamy froth on top. This froth is a critical part of a well-prepared cup of Matcha, and it is only achievable with the use of a Chasen.

Moreover, the Chasen helps fully mix (not dissolve) Matcha with water, eliminating clumps for a smoother, more enjoyable tea.

Step-by-Step Guide to Whisk with a Chasen?

1. Step 1: Soften the Prongs (Soak in Warm Water)
2. Step 2: Sift Matcha for Clump-Free Texture
3. Step 3: Whisk in a "W" or "M" Motion (70–80°C Water)
4. Step 4: Clean Immediately (No Soap!)

Preparing Matcha with a Chasen involves a few straightforward steps, here only mention the most important three steps:

1. Warm-up your chasen: Place your chasen in the tea bowl (chawan) with hot water, then dry the tea bowl. Put chasen aside and readying it for whisking.
   
   
   
2. Sift the Matcha: Sift your Matcha powder into the bowl to remove any clumps, ensuring a smooth blend.
   
   
   
   
3. Whisk with chasen: Use the ideal water temperature around 70 to 80°C, and begin to whisk the Matcha in a W or M motion. Don't press too hard or scrape the Chasen on the bottom of the bowl. Remove chasen from matcha bowl after whisking.
   
   
   
    

How to Clean & Store Your Chasen (to avoid Mold & Breakage)

Rules for Washing Your Bamboo Whisk

A Chasen, with the proper care, can last for 6 months or even longer. Here are a few tips to ensure its longevity:

1. Before using your Chasen for the first time, let it sit in warm water to allow the prongs to unfurl and soften. Repeat this process before each use to prevent tine breakage.
   
   
2. After using: Rinse your Chasen under gentle running water after each use. Never use soap or dishwasher, as they can damage the bamboo.
   
   
   
3. Dry: Put the chasen back to your whisk stand, so it can keep its natural shape and dry up. Keep it away from direct sunlight and any strong scents which bamboo can absorb in the air.

Storing: Why the Stand Matters

Storing chasen properly is equally essential for its longevity. However, there are a few common missteps tea enthusiasts may want to avoid in front of their friends. 

Common Mistakes

Mistakes That Ruin Your Chasen (And How to Fix Them)

#1 Mistake: Storing Wet Chasen Upside Down → Promotes mold.

Storing it upside down while it's still wet is quite inadvisable. This can result in water accumulating at the base, creating a breeding ground for mould over time.
It might be obvious for tea enthusiasts, but trust me, you will see people do this in many TikTok videos.

#2 Mistake: Using Dishwashers/Soap → Weakens bamboo.

#3 Mistake: Scraping the Bowl → Breaks prongs.

It happens a lot in coffee shops where baristas need to make a lot of matcha in fast speed, they tend to brush or press down their chasen too hard that is scrapping bottom of the tea bowl. Who wants to drink some "broken bamboo sticks" in their 10USD matcha?

Ready to elevate your matcha ritual? Pair your chasen with our ceremonial-grade matcha for an authentic, frothy experience. You can shop some of our products here: