Chopsticks etiquette is also a big YES in Japan! You also have to be conscious of how you use chopsticks in Japan. There are some things that you need to remember what you should do or what you should not do when you’re using chopsticks in Japan.
As Japanese use chopsticks (箸 / はし, hashi) for almost all the dishes that they eat, they follow some rules when using them.
If you really love using chopsticks, here some of the things that you need to remember when using chopsticks in Japan.
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- Hold the chopsticks correctly
- When chopsticks are not used
- Do not place your chopsticks in an upright position while unused
- Do not give food from chopsticks to chopsticks
- Do not rub your chopsticks together
- Do not lick you chopsticks
- Do not spear your food with chopsticks
- Do not cross your chopsticks
- Do not point anyone with your chopsticks
- Do not play with your chopsticks
This one is easy for those who are chopsticks lover. But for those who are not, it’s okay. Just practice because as the saying goes, practice makes perfect. Don’t hold your chopsticks in the middle or towards the front. Hold them towards their end on at least, 2/3 of the chopsticks.
When you’re not using your chopsticks or you are done eating, place then on the chopsticks holder. Usually, restaurants have this holder but if the chopsticks are disposable, you can just lay them down on the table in front of you with their tips to facing the left.
Do not stick your chopsticks in an upright position in any food especially the rice because this gesture is done in an funeral ceremony.
Do not pass or give food from chopsticks to chopsticks because this is also done in a funeral ceremony which involves the bones of the cremated
Even though rubbing wooden/disposable chopsticks (waribashi) together can avoid splinters, you should avoid rubbing them when you’re in Japan. It is a bad manner because it is a sign that the restaurant that you are in doesn’t provide good quality chopsticks. As much as possible, avoid rubbing them.
Licking, sucking or nibbling your chopsticks is not a polite move especially when there are shared food.
Spearing food with chopsticks is a bad manner. If you really don’t know how to use chopsticks, there are spoons and forks available for most of the restaurants in Japan.
Avoid putting your chopsticks crossing each other when you are done eating or while resting. Always put them in a parallel position.
Just like pointing in fingers, pointing using chopsticks is also a bad manner and a rude thing. Never ever point someone using or chopsticks and even your fingers.
Chopsticks are meant for eating and not for playing. And also, they are not meant for hair accessories.
