TOKYO, JAPAN - NOVEMBER 02: Kana Wasai prepares tea with a bamboo whisk also known as a 'chasen' during a tea ceremony class by Yumiko Takada on November 2, 2014 in Tokyo, Japan.Kana Wasai has been practising the art of tea ceremony for 4 years. The Japanese tea ceremony is steeped in tradition dating back more than 1000 years, it is a fine art in presentation of green tea also known as 'Matcha'; it embodies masterful preparation with the guest always at the forefront of the host's mind. In simple terms, it is making tea from the heart. As younger generations are slowly becoming more westernised in their tastes and behaviours, the art of practising and learning tea ceremony is becoming less common. In a suburban house in Toshima-ku, Yumiko Takada a master teacher of tea ceremony opens her private tea room to regular students and is working hard to pass on her knowledge so that others can also do the same. When asked how long she has been practising she replied, "I've been practising tea ceremony for more then 60 years and will never stop the learning process." Like many things undertaken in Japan it is a life time pursuit of perfecting a practise. "I teach to preserve and sustain this beautiful part of our culture for future generations, it is the only way to keep it alive. Younger people these days often have trouble sitting on the floor (tatami mats) because they have become so used to western styles of living, they're more interested in computers and games." said Yumiko. Initially performed only by men and used in the domain of religion, politics and business, over years women have taken on a strong role in tea ceremony practise. "I am delighted when I see a student become successful", says Yumiko And for many of her students they now feel closer to Japanese culture than ever before. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)
