Japanese matcha café brand nana's green tea is to open its first company-run flagship store in the US in Pasadena, California.

The company has said it will confirm the opening date via nana's green tea's official Instagram account.

The brand already has a presence in the US through franchised locations in markets such as Seattle and New York.

However, the Pasadena site represents the company's first directly operated flagship in the country.

Following the launch, the brand plans to pursue further expansion across the US primarily via additional franchise outlets.

New franchised cafés are scheduled to open in San Mateo, California, in May; Meridian, Idaho, in June; and Boston, Massachusetts, in July.

Founded in 2001, nana’s green tea offers matcha-focused beverages such as lattes, as well as desserts such as parfaits. It will also serve savoury dishes intended to support full dining occasions.

In the longer term, the company aims to be recognised globally as a “matcha café brand rooted in Japan”.

The business is also examining ways to become more involved in matcha farming and production to help sustain Japanese food culture.

nana's green tea founder and CEO Kazuto Kutami said: “Through nana's green tea, we aim to bring a new, modern expression of Japanese culture into everyday life around the world.

“At the heart of what we do is a commitment to authentic ingredients, Japanese producers, and the spirit of omotenashi.”