Sugar
Softens bitterness.
Reveals matcha’s umami.
It’s WASANBON.
Traditional Japanese artisan sugar for Matcha
Matcha
What is WASANBON?
Wasanbon is a traditional Japanese artisan sugar that has been enjoyed alongside matcha for centuries.
Renowned for its exceptionally fine texture, delicate sweetness, and smooth melt, Wasanbon gently softens the bitterness of matcha while enhancing its natural umami and aroma. For generations, it has been cherished by tea masters and confectionery artisans as an essential part of Japanese tea culture.
Wasanbon originated in the Shikoku region of Japan, primarily in Kagawa and Tokushima Prefectures, where it has long been produced using traditional methods passed down through generations of skilled craftsmen.
Today, this rare craft faces growing challenges due to climate change, which affects sugarcane cultivation, as well as the declining number of artisans able to carry on these time-honored techniques.
To preserve the tradition of Wasanbon for future generations, artisans have begun expanding these inherited production methods to southern regions of Japan, including Okinawa and Kagoshima, where sugarcane thrives in a favorable climate.
While honoring the history and heritage of traditional Wasanbon, these new initiatives help ensure that its delicate sweetness and artisanal craftsmanship continue into the future.
At YOHAKU, our mission is to preserve and share the traditions of Japanese tea culture and Wasanbon craftsmanship with future generations.
Why with Matcha?
WASANBON has long been enjoyed alongside matcha in Japanese tea culture.
Unlike ordinary sugar, its delicate sweetness softens bitterness and astringency without masking the natural umami and aroma of matcha.
Its smooth melt and refined finish create a more balanced, rounded tea experience.
For generations, this quiet harmony between matcha and WASANBON has been an essential part of the Japanese tea ceremony.
Our Range
Classic Wasanbon
A refined sweetness with a delicate melt.
Matcha Blend Wasanbon finish
A refined blend of wasanbon and ceremonial matcha
For Cafés & Wholesale
A refined ingredient for modern tea culture.
For Cafes & B2B
Tailored solutions to bring wasanbon’s elegance into your café.
Wholesale
Flexible bulk orders with premium packaging to suit your brand’s style.
Custom/OEM/Private Label
Personalized blends and packaging options crafted for your café’s unique vibe.
Dedicated support to ensure seamless integration of wasanbon into your menu.
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Our Commitment to the Future
Okinawa and Kagoshima’s islands face aging populations and shrinking communities, threatening their traditional sugarcane culture.
Yet these islands hold unique craftsmanship, like Wasanbon, that can elevate sugar from a commodity to a premium cultural product.
By fostering this high-value industry, we can create opportunity, encourage younger generations to stay, and restore pride in local identity.
Win Aoyama Bld, 2-2-15 Minami-Aoyama, Minato City, Tokyo 107-0062, Japan
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