The proposal is made, not by the intended bridegroom, but by his best friend, who visits the intended bride and her mother, lays the proposition before them and exchanges gifts. No priest is present at the ceremony, it being performed by the bridegroom's best man and the bride's attendant. The ceremonious sipping of tea constitutes the principal part of the function. The bride, in herself serving the bridegroom's parents with tea, indicates her everlasting submission to their wishes. Such are the Japanese.
—Moving Picture World synopsis