The 100-Prong Matcha Whisk (Chasen): Why More Prongs Make a Better Bowl

If you’ve ever whisked a bowl of matcha and ended up with clumps or weak foam, it might not be your technique — it could be your whisk.

Enter the 100-prong chasen — a handcrafted bamboo whisk designed for a smoother, creamier, and more satisfying matcha experience. Here's why it's worth knowing (and owning).

🍵 What Is a Chasen?
A chasen (茶筅) is a traditional Japanese matcha whisk carved from a single piece of bamboo. It’s used to mix matcha powder and hot water into a smooth, frothy drink — the kind with that perfect layer of jade-green foam on top.

While chasen come in various sizes and styles, one of the most popular and effective types is the 100-prong whisk.

🔢 Why Do the Number of Prongs Matter?
The number of prongs (also called tines) determines how well and how quickly your matcha blends and foams.

Here’s why 100 prongs = matcha magic:

More prongs = finer agitation
The extra tines help incorporate the matcha powder more thoroughly and evenly.

Easier froth
More surface movement means you get that beautiful, micro-foam layer on top — especially for usucha (thin tea).

Smoother texture
Fewer clumps, better mouthfeel, more café-quality results at home.

Less effort
More tines means each whisking stroke does more work, so you can create better matcha with less wrist strain.

Think of it like a paintbrush: the more bristles, the smoother the stroke.

🧵 How Is a Chasen Made?
Creating a chasen is an art form passed down through generations in Nara, Japan — particularly in the Takayama region, known for centuries of bamboo craftsmanship.

Bamboo selection
Only aged, high-quality bamboo is used (often smoked or sun-dried for strength).

Shaving and splitting
The bamboo is cut and carefully split into thin strips — all by hand.

Carving the prongs
The artisan shapes each of the delicate tines with precision.

Shaping and curling
The tips are curled slightly outward for better whisking.

Final finishing
The whisk is soaked, dried, and inspected for symmetry and balance.

Each whisk can take hours to complete — and no two are exactly alike.

✅ When Should You Use a 100-Prong Whisk?
A 100-prong chasen is ideal for:

Daily matcha drinkers
Especially if you love traditional usucha with a nice frothy top.

Those wanting better texture
If your current whisk doesn’t deliver foam or leaves clumps behind, this is your upgrade.

Anyone seeking a more mindful ritual
A high-quality chasen enhances the whole experience — from prep to sip.

If you’re serious about matcha — or just tired of gritty, underwhelming drinks — a chasen is one of the best investments you can make. It blends better, foams faster, and makes your matcha moment feel truly elevated.