The Japanese tea ceremony, originally called the “way of tea," is a ritualized practice of serving tea to guests.

It encompasses both the matcha tea ceremony and the sencha tea ceremony, with the former being the earlier developed tradition.

Evolving from the foundation of daily tea preparation, the Japanese tea ceremony harmonizes daily life with philosophical, ethical, and aesthetic elements, becoming a comprehensive cultural art form. It goes beyond mere material enjoyment, fostering character development, cultivating aesthetic and moral values through tea gatherings, and learning tea etiquette.

During the Edo period in the 18th century, with the rise of the commoner class represented by the Genroku culture, urban life became exceptionally rich, witnessing a surge in various cultural activities.

Consequently, the Japanese tea ceremony reintroduced elements of play, gradually evolving as part of folk art. This led to an exponential increase in the number of tea drinkers, where tea instructors often had numerous disciples, marking the emergence of the "iemoto" system within the tea ceremony.

In the Meiji era, Japan's comprehensive adoption of Western culture led to a decline in the Japanese tea ceremony under Western cultural suppression. To counter this decline, tea ceremony schools reintroduced elements of play and emphasized tea ceremony as an essential aspect of Japanese national character.

Simultaneously, they adapted the tea ceremony to accommodate changes in society by introducing a format suitable for tables and chairs. Eventually, the tea ceremony gained approval as part of women's education, leading to its revival.

The Japanese tea ceremony comprises numerous schools, ranging from the ancient 400-year-old tradition of the Rikyu school to recently established ones, each centered around their respective "iemoto" (head of the school), ensuring the transmission of their unique traditions across generations.

Regardless of social status, all individuals must bow upon entering a tea room. The ceremony involves intricate protocols, such as finely grinding tea leaves, ensuring the cleanliness of utensils, and selecting flower arrangements based on season, guests' reputation, status, age, and cultural background.

The host's movements require precision, resembling a dance with rhythmic elegance while maintaining accuracy. All these meticulous actions reflect respect for guests, embodying the spirit of harmony and reverence.

These rituals and forms showcase mutual care and respect between host and guest, emphasizing the host's welcome and appreciation for the guest.

Throughout the tea ceremony, the values of equality, friendship, and humility persist, forming the essence of the ceremony's spirit.

This is the renowned Japanese tea ceremony, a highly elaborate process that exudes a sense of ritual in every aspect. With over a millennium of historical significance, the tea ceremony has deeply embedded itself in Japan's national spirit, becoming a unique cultural form.

It forms an intricate and refined ritual at gatherings, emphasizing the host's tea preparation and the guest's appreciation of utensils, creating a complex etiquette system based on mutual understanding.

The Japanese tea ceremony, delicate and sophisticated, yet profound and enigmatic, meticulously considers seasonality, settings, utensils, hierarchy, and specifications. Now regarded as a national treasure, it is honored as a diplomatic gesture and stands as a symbol of Japan's cultural excellence.