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Irene Inouye is greeted by Japanese ambassador Ichiro Fujisaki and his wife, Yoriko. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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Masako Sen, host of the tea ceremony, welcomes her guests with opening remarks about the culture of tea and the 100th anniversary of the cherry blossoms given to the United States by Japan. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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Makiko Sen performs the ritual of tea preparation while her mother assists. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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Looking down on the pot in which the tea is stirred. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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The traditional bamboo ladle used to serve the tea. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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Each guest took a turn admiring the artistry of the tea bowls, beginning with Ambassador Fujisaki, here with Koichiro Izumi. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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In accordance with tradition, the tea is sipped carefully, thoughtfully, and slowly. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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The beautiful sweet and the lovely green tea prepared by Makiko Sen. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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Ambassador Fujisaki after the tea ceremony. Photograph by Jeff Martin
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What guests took home: beautifully wrapped Suetomi cookies. Photograph by Carol Ross Joynt