Our Story

We’re Judith and Pieter— twins! Born on the winter solstice. We are originally from the Netherlands but have lived in various places. At 18, we graduated in Malta, and instead of settling down like responsible adults, we packed our bags and jetted off to Japan. We were captivated by its nature, architecture, culture and food. Pieter was so smitten he went back. Twice. For longer (we’re pretty sure he considered applying for honorary citizenship).   

Eventually, we took different paths as Pieter earned an Engineering degree in the Netherlands, while Judith got an Environmental Science degree in Edinburgh, Scotland. But, as all great stories go, life had another adventure in store. In 2024, we reunited for a journey back to Asia—this time, together—landing in vibrant Vietnam. And, as often happens while traveling, an idea was born.  

Judith, a longtime matcha devotee since her first trip to Japan in 2019, had made it her personal mission to find the best matcha cafes in every city she visited. Naturally, she dragged Pieter to yet another adorable little tea spot in Hanoi, where he had his first sip of Hojicha. After Pieter’s approval, a lightbulb moment happened: "This is the perfect afternoon drink," Judith said. And just like that, the seeds of Kyūka were planted.  

Later that day, on a rickety night train from Hanoi to Hoi An, Judith went full mad scientist—scribbling ideas, researching suppliers, creating Pinterest boards, and even designing logos and packaging. Fast forward to Barcelona (where Judith now lives), and the first tea samples arrived. The first batches? Meh. Not up to her standards. So more arrived. And then more. Until finally, four exceptional tea powders, including matcha, made the cut.  

But we didn’t just want to sell matcha—we wanted to do it right. Organic had to actually mean organic. So we rolled up our sleeves and secured full organic certification to import matcha from Japan, ensuring we comply with the TRACES system to maintain the highest quality.  

And exactly one year after that fateful tea-fueled train ride, Kyūka came to life, launching on the spring equinox.