There are several schools of Sado , the Japanese tea ceremony—also known as Chanoyu —each with its own distinct traditions and philosophies. Tea in Japan, specifically O-cha (green tea), holds a cultural significance akin to coffee in the United States or “a cuppa” in the United Kingdom—perhaps even more deeply ingrained. Beyond its cultural importance, the health benefits of green tea are widely recognized and embraced globally. For aspiring young women in Japan, learning the tea ceremony remains a vital part of a ‘proper’ education, ensuring that this ancient art continues to thrive even in modern times. Sen no Rikyu and the Evolution of Sado The origins of Japanese tea rituals trace back to the 6th century, arriving as part of Buddhist meditation practices. In the Kamakura period (1185–1333), a priest named Eisai introduced tea seeds to Japan, which became the foundation for much of Japan’s tea cultivation today. Subsequent figures like the priest Eizon and the monk Ikkyu f...