- Description
Uejima Kirari 31 is the lightest and most fruit-forward of the Uejima single-cultivar matchas. Grown pesticide-free in the fields of Noriyasu Uejima at Sourokuen in Wazuka, Uji, Kyoto - it opens with fresh green notes of edamame, buttered peas, and zucchini, lifted by a delicate touch of saltiness that adds depth and character. As the flavor unfolds, a subtle sweetness emerges through hints of corn and soft fruity tones reminiscent of ripe peach. The most refreshing and approachable of the four single-cultivar options. Chaseki was the first to introduce Uejima's matcha to Thailand in 2020.
About Uejima Kirari 31
Uejima Kirari 31 is part of our Ceremonial Matcha collection, sourced exclusively from Sourokuen (爽緑園) in Wazuka, Uji, Kyoto.
Kirari 31 is a relatively modern cultivar, developed in Japan for its clean character, bright color, and the soft fruity sweetness that distinguishes it from more established single-cultivar options. In Uejima's pesticide-free fields, its corn and ripe peach notes - natural impressions from the cultivar itself - emerge with a clarity that reflects the farm's standard.
Among the four single-cultivar Uejima matchas, Kirari 31 has the most accessible and inviting profile for those who find the richness of Saemidori or the savoury depth of Sakimidori too pronounced. The corn sweetness and ripe peach character are immediately pleasant and easy to appreciate.
Taste Profile
Mouthfeel: Light, clean Finish: Medium, sweet Umami: Light Sweetness: Natural, fruity Flavor NotesUejima Kirari 31 opens with a light, clean mouthfeel. Fresh green notes of edamame, buttered peas, and zucchini lead - vivid and clean. A delicate saltiness lifts these notes and adds quiet depth. Subtle sweetness then emerges: hints of corn arrive first - clean, slightly warm, and natural. Soft fruity tones reminiscent of ripe peach follow, delicate and pleasant. The finish is medium in length and sweet in character. The overall impression is light, refreshing, and distinctly fruity - the most immediately inviting cup in the Uejima single-cultivar range.
How to Use Uejima Kirari 31
Best suited for:- Usucha
- Clear-style preparations
- Matcha lattes (hot and iced)
Kirari 31's light, sweet, fruity character is particularly vivid in clear-style and iced preparations where the corn sweetness and ripe peach notes are refreshing and clean. In usucha, the light mouthfeel and sweet finish produce a pleasant, approachable bowl. In lattes, the natural sweetness reduces the need for added sweetener and produces a gently fruity, clean latte character.
How Uejima Kirari 31 Compares
The lightest and most fruity of the four Uejima single-cultivar matchas. Okumidori is more floral and graceful with a long finish. Saemidori is richer and more dessert-forward with custard and dark chocolate. Sakimidori is more savoury with spinach and saltiness. Kirari 31 is the entry point for those new to Uejima's range - light, sweet, fruity, and immediately engaging.
Origin & Sourcing
Grown by Noriyasu Uejima at Sourokuen (爽緑園), Wazuka, Uji, Kyoto. 5th generation farmer. Pesticide-free. The only producer in the 90+ year history of Kyoto's national tea competition to achieve a perfect score. Chaseki first in Thailand 2020.
*"The tea I make is what you drink when your heart is thirsty."* — Noriyasu Uejima
Sizes & Packaging
- 30g can — THB 910
- 100g, 250g, 500g, and 1,000g pouches
FAQs
What is Kirari 31 and why is it numbered?
Kirari 31 is a Japanese green tea cultivar developed through the national tea breeding program, designated by its registration number. The "31" refers to its cultivar number in the Japanese breeding registry. It is known for its bright green color, clean character, and the soft corn and fruity notes it expresses under quality growing conditions.
What are the corn and ripe peach notes in Kirari 31?
Natural flavor impressions from the cultivar itself - not added. Corn refers to a clean, slightly warm, sweet starchiness. Ripe peach refers to a soft, mellow fruity sweetness. Together they give Kirari 31 its distinctive approachable sweetness that distinguishes it from all other Uejima single-cultivar options.
How does Uejima Kirari 31 compare to Uejima Saemidori?
Saemidori is much richer and more complex - custard, banana, caramel, dark chocolate, and cacao nibs building in layers. Kirari 31 is lighter and simpler - clean green notes followed by corn sweetness and ripe peach. Saemidori for those who want depth and indulgence. Kirari 31 for those who want lightness and fruity freshness.Is Kirari 31 good for beginners?
Yes - the most approachable of the four Uejima single-cultivar matchas. Light, sweet, fruity, and immediately pleasant.
(Standard boilerplate FAQs)
- Uejima Okumidori - more floral and elegant
- Uejima Saemidori - richer, custard and dark chocolate
- Uejima Sakimidori - more savoury and juicy
- Uejima Kaze - Uejima blend for those exploring the farm's blended range