The Magic Tea Kettle
The Folktale
Inspired by Bunbuku Chagama — the Japanese folktale of a tanuki kettle that transforms to bring unexpected fortune — Gentlefolk was built with the same spirit. Just as the yokai helped a small temple prosper through quiet, generous acts, we believe something good, shared thoughtfully, creates meaningful change. We took that idea literally. Matcha, transformed into whatever form it needs to take — powder, concentrate, and beyond — to support local cafés, elevate quality, and open new possibilities. Without losing what makes it worth drinking in the first place.
The Mission
Gentlefolk was born from the Bunbuku Chagama, a Japanese folktale of a shape-shifting tanuki who transforms to bring fortune. It's a story about what changes and what doesn't. That idea runs through everything we do.
We source single-origin matcha directly from regions across Japan that don't always get the attention they deserve. Quiet places making exceptional tea.
Storytelling is how we honour every part of it. The farmers, the cafés, the ritual. Told through film, not flattened into a label.
We're always searching for matcha with exceptional qualities that performs behind the bar.
Each GENTLEFOLK creation is an expression of the same sourcing. Each one built for a different context, a different ritual, a different kind of person.
The Matcha changes shape. The standard doesn't.
Sourcing Mission
From Field to Cup
Every other season we travel to the fields and mountains of Japan to see the makers we know, and the ones we are still yet to meet. Every cup begins here, carrying with it their matcha and the stories behind it.