Current difficult matcha situation
The blog is a bit slow currently because I try not to order much matcha to test at the moment and wait on some of the reviews. The shortages are very concerning and affecting all of the stores I order from or consider ordering from. A lot is out of stock, there are delays of about 20 days for orders, or limited quantities. Restocking is not announced anymore because there have been unauthorized resellers (scalpers) buying everything up instantly and selling it for more elsewhere. The amount you can buy at once is restricted as well. It's a chaotic and sad situation for the sellers in Japan.
That's why I try to make the most of the matcha I have, consume less, slow down my reviewing, and only order very little every couple months. I don't want to add to the burden and I want as many people as possible to get matcha, instead of hoarding any. If I cannot get any of my favorites for a few months or longer, that's okay with me.
I have three more reviews coming up; the Maimukashi and the Matsu no Midori, both by Maiko, and one gifted to me by a friend by the Greuther Teeladen. I've been using the Maiko ones for a while now but have been putting off completing their reviews.
I have also placed an order at Ippodo today for 1 tin of their Kanza (20g, 64 Euro in total, which is probably the most I have ever spent on matcha). I initially eyed the Ummon and rumor had it the restock would happen on the 9th, but either I was too slow or the Ummon was not restocked. The Kanza was available though.
After that, I am good for a while again until I use it all up. I'm definitely still passionate about matcha and reviewing it, but I'd rather slow down and reduce. :)