Chado (the way of tea) is generally known as "Tea Ceremony" outside of Japan. When people talk about traditional Japanese culture, Chado is never forgotten. These days, people are discovering the value of traditional Japanese culture, and Chado is of interest not only to Japanese people, but also people outside of Japan. Chado was originally introduced from China by the Zen priest, Eisai, in the 12th Century. He brought tea seeds and tea preparation methods back to Japan, and wrote a text called "Kissa Yojoki", which explains the health benefits of drinking tea. Tea drinking spread among Zen temples, the warrior class(Samurai), and ultimately to common people. In the 16th century, Sen no Rikyu founded the idea of Tea Ceremony, based on four essential principles- 和(Wa) (=Harmony), 敬(Kei)(=Respect), 清(Sei)(=Purity), and 寂(Jaku)(=Tranquility). Sen no Sotan, the descendant of Sen no Rikyu, established three Sen Houses; Soshitsu of Urasenke, Sosa of Omotesenke, and Soshu of Mushanokojisenke. The present Grand Tea Master of Urasenke is the 16th generation descendant of Sen no Rikyu. The former Grand Tea master of Urasenke, 15th of Sen Soshitsu contributed greatly to the spread of Chado worldwide. As a result, Chado is recognized throughout the world as a tradition representative of Japan. Today, it is well known that Chado in all respects involves various kinds of traditional Japanese arts and crafts-such as calligraphy, scroll mounting, textiles, ceramics, lacquer ware, architecture, gardening, incense, preparation and serving of food and tea-which are reflective of Japanese culture, seasons, nature, religion, philosophy and history. Please discover traditional Japanese culture through Chado.