The Japanese tea ceremony is a cultural activity where matcha powdered green tea is prepared and served. Zen Buddhism influenced the ceremony's development. The ceremony uses various tea equipment, including tea bowls, tea caddies, tea scoops, and tea whisks, which are handled with care. The host prepares the matcha tea for guests to observe in silence and then serves it. After drinking, the guests view the utensils before the host ends the ceremony by cleaning up and thanking the guests.

1. Japanese tea ceremony
The Japanese tea ceremony also called “The way of tea” is a Japanese cultural activity involving
the ceremonial preparation and ceremonial of “matcha*” powderer green tea. The manner in which
it is performed, or the art of it´s performance, it´s called otemae. Zen Buddhism was a primary
influence on the development of the tea ceremony. Much less commonly, it uses left tea, primarily
sencha*
EQUIPMENT:
Tea aquipment is called chadogu. A wide range of chadogu is available and different styles and
motifs are used for different events and in different seasons. All the tools for tea ceremony are
handled with exquisite care.
-The following are a few of the essential components:
♦Chakin: The "chakin" is a small rectangular white linen or hemp cloth mainly used to wipe the tea
bowl.
♦Tea bowl: Tea bowls are available in a wide range of sizes and styles, and different styles are
used for thick and thin tea. Shallow bowls, which allow the tea to cool rapidly, are used in summer;
deep bowls are used in winter.
♦Tea caddy : The small lidded container in which the powdered tea is placed for use in the tea-
making procedure.
♦Tea scoop : Tea scoops generally are carved from a single piece of bamboo, although they may
also be made of ivory or wood. They are used to scoop tea from the tea caddy into the tea bowl.
♦Tea whisk: This is the implement used to mix the powdered tea with the hot water. Tea whisks are
carved from a single piece of bamboo. There are various types.
How to prepare the tea.
Initially the host will greet the waiting guests, by serving them some traditional Japanese sweets.
The host will then bring in the tea and tea utensils to be used in preparing the tea. During this time
there are usually no words spoken, and the guest can observe the host preparing the tea.
Once the matcha green tea has been prepared, it is served to the guest. After all the guests have
enjoyed and finished drinking the tea, the host cleans all the utensils and then invites the guests to
hold and look at them. Finally, the host will take all the utensils and tea out of the tea room and
thank the guests for coming, marking the end of the tea ceremony.

2. Conclusion:
Preparing tea in this ceremony means pouring all one's attention into the predefined
movements. The whole process is not about drinking tea, but is about aesthetics, preparing a
bowl of tea from one's heart. The host of the ceremony always considers the guests with every
movement and gesture. Even the placement of the tea utensils is considered from the guests
view point (angle), especially the main guests called the Shokyaku.
*Matcha: it refers to finelly filled or fine powder green tea.