Matcha Business Institute
Matcha Business Institute
An intensive business-focused program designed to immerse students in the practical realities of Japanese tea production. Over four days, you will gain hands-on experience and industry insights into:
- Evaluating high-quality tea
- Developing innovative tea-based products
- Understanding the current landscape of the Japanese tea industry
- Building connections within the tea business community
→ Application Required – Please read before applying
MBI operates on a selective, application-based admission process. To ensure the highest-quality learning environment and to welcome individuals who genuinely respect the culture, philosophy, and long-term integrity of matcha, Matcha Business Institute (MBI) includes pre-selection questions.
All applicants are required to submit written answers to the essay questions below.
Your responses will help us understand your sincerity, values, long-term vision, and alignment with the mission of MBI.
Please submit your responses on this form.
Application Deadline: March 31
Essay Questions
-
Your Personal Motivation
Why do you want to participate in Matcha Business Institute, and why is matcha meaningful to you at this stage of your life? -
Your Philosophy of “Good Matcha”
In your own words, what does “good matcha” mean to you? -
Integrity & Responsibility
What responsibilities do you believe someone has when running a matcha business—toward farmers, producers, the land, and the cultural integrity of matcha? -
Long-Term Vision & Commitment
What is your 5–10 year vision in the matcha field, and what commitment or discipline will be required to achieve it?
Submission Instructions:
- Submit your responses on this form.
- Answer in English
- Only selected applicants will be contacted with payment instructions
Program Logistics
- Duration: 4 days
- Price: JPY 660,000 (includes lunch)
- Maximum Participants: 6 Fellows
- Accommodation: Self-arranged (Kyoto or Ishiyama Station area recommended)
- Transportation: Daily shuttle from Ishiyama Station (North Gate)
- Meals: Lunch provided (dietary needs accommodated with advance notice)
- Cancellation Policy: Full refund for cancellations 30+ days before start date or within 24 hours of booking.
Who This Program Is Best For
The Matcha Business Institute is designed for individuals who are seriously engaging with the matcha market and the Japanese tea industry, and who wish to build businesses that are both commercially viable and personally meaningful. This program is best for:
- Entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders working with matcha or Japanese tea.
- Professionals planning to launch a matcha or tea-related business in the near future.
- Individuals seeking a deeper understanding of Japanese tea beyond surface-level trends.
- Those who value integrity, long-term thinking, and alignment between business and personal values.
This program is not designed for beginners seeking basic tea knowledge, certifications, or standardized instruction. Participants are expected to bring curiosity, reflection, and the capacity for self-directed thinking.
Please read more about d:matcha's Matcha Business Institute's curriculum
