Japanese tea preparation involves a careful process that emphasizes harmony and respect. The most common type of tea used is matcha, a powdered green tea. To prepare matcha, hot water is added to the powder, and a bamboo whisk called a chasen is used to mix it until frothy. Another popular method is the gyokuro tea preparation, where whole leaves are steeped in hot water. The water temperature is typically lower than boiling to preserve the delicate flavors. The tea is steeped for a few minutes, allowing the leaves to release their rich aroma and taste.