The etiquette of eating with chopsticks, Japan has a strong tradition, including using chopsticks as eating utensils. There is an etiquette for using chopsticks in Japan, how to use them properly and what you should avoid. Japan is one of the tourist destinations that many people dream of. However, it doesn't hurt you to start compiling a list of mandatory tours and culinary delights in Japan. Regarding culinary, you should know how to use chopsticks and prohibition when eating using chopsticks so as not to experience culture shock. Here is the etiquette of using chopsticks while eating.
1. Orori bashi
don't point at people with chopsticks. It is taboo to move or point at someone's face using chopsticks.
2. Hotoke-bashi [tate-bashi] or sticking chopsticks
into food or rice while standing, is strictly prohibited. it is forbidden to put chopsticks vertically on the plate. The reason is, this will remind Japanese citizens of the family who has died.
3. Nigiri-bashi or using chopsticks by gripping.
Should not be done because it is similar to holding a knife to stab.
4. Neburi-bashi or licking the tip of the chopsticks,
especially after the chopsticks we lick are used to pick up dishes that are also eaten by other people. Licking and putting chopsticks in your mouth is considered rude by Japanese people.
5. Yose-bashi or pulling,
sliding and pushing plates or food containers using chopsticks. because chopsticks are cutlery.
6. Utsushi-bashi [hiroi bashi]
or giving and passing food to others from chopsticks to chopsticks. Same thing when receiving chopsticks.
7. Sashi-bashi or picking up food by sticking chopsticks into the food.
Practice until you can use chopsticks properly.
8. Saguri bashi
you can't sort and pick food using chopsticks.
9. Mayoi bashi
don't spin chopsticks over food plates. This is considered a reflection of greedy behavior. Decide what you want to eat and pick it up using chopsticks.
10. Watashi bashi
putting chopsticks on a plate that is still full of food is considered impolite.
11. Mochi bashi
not allowed to grip chopsticks and bowl using the same hand. This is considered rude, especially in the presence of older people.
12. Namida bashi
it is not allowed to dip food into the sauce using chopsticks.
How to eat with chopsticks in Japan
Before getting into some of the restrictions when using chopsticks in Japan, it's a good idea to know how to hold chopsticks properly and correctly. Here are the steps:
Hold the chopsticks near the top end, not in the middle or near the bottom
When finished, place the chopsticks in front of you with the tip facing to the left.
If you want to take food from a shared plate, flip your chopsticks over and use the other end.
You can share chopsticks with people you know, but not with new people. However, you still have to ask permission first.
If you go to Japan or just eat with Japanese people, they will probably understand if you don't apply all of the above manners.
However, it never hurts to learn and know the local culture.
Some East Asian countries that use chopsticks as their main eating utensil may also have different manners.
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