Tea Party!

The Japanese tea ceremony is called chanoyu 茶の湯 Literally meaning… "tea hot-water")

It is a multifaceted traditional activity strongly influenced by Zen Buddhism, in which powdered green tea, or matcha ( 抹茶 ), is ceremonially prepared and served to others.

According to the "Latter Chronical of Japan" ( 日本後記 ; Nihon Kōki), drinking of tea was introduced to Japan in the 9th century, by the Buddhist monk Eichū ( 永忠 ), who had returned to Japan from China.

Tea equipment is called chadōgu, 茶道具, literally "tea tools" A wide range of chadōgu is necessary for even the most basic style of chanoyu. Chakin 茶巾 a small rectangular white linen or hemp cloth mainly used to wipe the tea bowl chawan 茶碗 Tea bowels chashaku 茶杓 Tea scoop chasen 茶筅 Tea whisk

While a kimono used to be the common attire for the Japanese, and thus was the standard attire for participants in chanoyu, this is no longer the case. Still, it is traditional, and on formal occasions most guests will wear a kimono. Consequently, the study of kimono is an essential part of learning chanoyu, and most practitioners will own at least one kimono which they will wear when hosting or participating in chanoyu. The kimono used to be mandatory dress for students of chanoyu, and while this practice continues, many teachers do not insist upon it; it is not uncommon for students to wear western clothes for practice. This is primarily born of necessity: since most people cannot afford to own more than one or two kimono, it is important that they be kept in good condition. Still, most students will practice in kimono at least some of the time. This is essential to learn the prescribed motions properly.