Ever noticed the gentle, soothing color of a matcha latte? That beautiful, soft yellow-green has a name and a rich history in Japan: Matcha-iro (抹茶色).
Let’s explore the story behind this beloved traditional color, from its origins in the historic tea ceremony to how you can use it in your own creative projects.
What is Matcha-iro?
Matcha-iro is the soft, calming yellow-green of finely ground tea leaves. It’s not the bright, vibrant green you see after whisking matcha into water, but a more muted and earthy shade.
- Color Name: 抹茶色 (Matcha-iro)
- Pronounced: mah-chah ee-roh
- Meaning: Matcha Green / Soft Yellow-Green
For designers and creators, here are the digital codes:
- Web Color Code: #a6af34
- CMYK: C=22 / M=0 / Y=82 / K=31
- RGB: R=166 / G=175 / B=52
Note: Color appearance can vary by screen. These codes are a reference guide.
The Meaning and Story of Matcha-iro
The story of this color begins with matcha itself—a finely powdered green tea. While famous as a traditional tea, matcha is now loved worldwide in everything from cakes and ice cream to lattes.
Matcha-iro is the color of that powder, a gentle yellow-green that feels both natural and elegant. It’s similar to other natural greens like Uguisu-iro (Japanese bush warbler color) and Koke-iro (moss color), but it stands apart with its brighter, more yellowish hue.
This color became popular about 450 years ago, during Japan’s Azuchi-Momoyama period, a time when the tea ceremony culture flourished. As more people embraced the art of tea, Matcha-iro grew in popularity and became a common sight in fashion and design. Even today, it remains a favorite for traditional Japanese clothing (wafuku) and beautiful accessories like furoshiki wrapping cloths.
How to Pair Colors with Matcha-iro
Thanks to its soft, gentle nature, Matcha-iro is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for creating beautiful color combinations:
- For a Fresh, Spring Feeling: Pair Matcha-iro with other soft, pale colors. It looks stunning next to a sunny Tanpopo-iro (dandelion yellow), a light Usu-ao (pale blue), or a bright Wakakusa-iro (young grass green).
- For an Elegant, Grounded Look: Combine it with deep, rich greens like Tokiwa-iro (evergreen) or Chitose-midori (thousand-year green). Matcha-iro adds a touch of lightness that keeps these darker shades from feeling too heavy.
A Color to Enjoy
Matcha-iro is more than just a color—it’s a connection to centuries of Japanese culture and tradition. So the next time you enjoy a matcha-flavored sweet or a warm drink, take a moment to appreciate its beautiful, calming hue. It’s a simple way to connect with a piece of Japanese history.
