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epa01974336 Kenji Tsukiashi (L), a Kyoto fine arts dealer and assistant to fourth generation tea ceremony master Hisatsuna Soi Kanazawa waits outside the large tea room for the right timing to start serving the formal 'kaiseki' meal at the master's home, called Houenan, in Kyoto, Japan, 25 November 2009. The Way of Tea, is a means of teaching and experiencing the refined art of Japanese hospitality. Tea was first introduced to Japan from China in the 9th century and developed into a fine formal art through the influence of Zen Buddhism in the 14th and 15th centuries. The 16th century tea master Sen no Rikyu is considered the greatest teacher of the Japanese 'Way of Tea.' Rikyu's disciples created the present day three main schools of tea: the Urasenke, the Omotesenke, and the Mushakojisenke. EPA/EVERETT KENNEDY BROWN