Japan's Matcha Craze Triggers Weight‑Loss Trend and Record Price Surge

In Japan, drinking an unsweetened cup of matcha each day has become a popular weight‑loss method, with many users reporting losses of 2–3 kg per month. The effect is attributed to matcha’s high levels of catechin (especially EGCG), natural caffeine and L‑theanine, which together may boost fat oxidation and provide alertness without the jitters of coffee.

The surge in demand has created a global shortage. For the first time, tea master Sohen Yamada said his school could not obtain matcha, and a sign reading “Out of matcha” appeared at a shop in Uji. Tencha, the raw leaf used for matcha, fetched a record price of about $40 per half‑kilogram. Industry figures such as Soui Yamada and Motoya Koyama warn that meeting the growing international demand while preserving traditional quality will be a major challenge.