Caring for a Chasen

This article is written by Seiya H.

As the global demand for matcha continues to grow, it seems that chasen (tea whisks) are also selling more than ever recently. However, the number of chasen made in Japan has been declining in recent years, along with the artisans and bamboo materials required to make them.

Originally, the chasen was considered a consumable item, and in formal tea ceremonies, it was customary not to use a chasen again once it had been used in a ceremony. This is because each chasen was treated as "a one-of-a-kind tool made specifically for this tea gathering, and for you (the guest)," and thus was not reused.

Incidentally, there are other items besides the chasen—such as the chakin (the white cloth used to wipe the tea bowl) and the fukusa (read as fukusa, a purple or vermilion cloth used to purify utensils during a tea ceremony)—that are also not reused, as signs of use remain after a single use.

You might think, "But it's wasteful if it's still usable!" and indeed, these days it’s common to reuse a chasen after one use for practice or daily use. In my experience, once you purchase a chasen, even with daily use, it can last for about six months—if you take proper care of it.

Here’s what’s important for maintenance:

① Wash with water

You don’t need soap—simply place it in a bowl of water and gently swish it around as if whisking matcha, to rinse it clean. Do not use hot water, as it shortens the bamboo’s lifespan and could make the whisk unusable within a few weeks.

② Gently wipe with your fingers

After rinsing, gently pinch and wipe the bristles with your fingers to remove any remaining matcha. Avoid applying too much force, as this can break the delicate tines. Take your time and do it carefully.

③ Restore its shape using a chasen holder

After whisking, the chasen may lose its shape slightly depending on how it was used. After steps ① and ②, placing it on a chasen holder (as shown in the image) will help it return to its original form by the next day. Be careful to fit the inner and outer tines properly and avoid forcing it in, as that could damage the chasen. Handle it gently to make daily matcha enjoyment more sustainable.

At d:matcha, we also sell Takayama chasen made in Nara Prefecture, but they sell out quickly and we’ve even had to limit the number of items per customer. While the chasen is inherently a consumable item, let’s cherish it and enjoy matcha with care.