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5 Essential Chopstick Etiquette Tips to Know in Japan!

Date published: 26 September 2019
Last updated: 29 September 2020

Chopsticks are, inarguably, the single most important eating utensils in Japan. The Japanese use them to eat everything from rice and meat, to noodles, salad, and so much more!

Japan is famous for their complex code of etiquette, and this includes mealtime. In particular, there are certain do’s and don’ts regarding chopsticks. Let’s take a look at five of the most important chopstick etiquette!

Chopsticks may look like the perfect miniature drumsticks to amuse yourselves while waiting for food to arrive, but playing with chopsticks is definitely considered childish and may invite some strange looks from other diners. It would be the same as using your spoon as an airplane to fly food into your mouth. In fact, even Japanese children typically refrain from this kind of ‘play’ as they are taught from an early age the importance of mealtime manners.

When you want to share food, it may seem quick and efficient to pass something from your chopsticks directly to your friend’s chopsticks.

However, this is practice is considered very taboo during eating, as it is the way that the bones of the deceased are passed during Japanese funeral rituals. If it is necessary to pass food with chopsticks, it is best to place it directly on a plate so that they may pick it up on their own.

Depending on which country you come from, it might not be out of the ordinary to rub disposable wooden chopsticks (called “waribashi” in Japanese) together as a way of smoothing the texture. While this is a great way to avoid potential splinters, it is actually considered to be bad manners in Japan. Rubbing your chopsticks may imply that you think the restaurant you’re dining at doesn’t provide quality chopsticks. So, try to remember to avoid this action if possible.

Another common chopstick mistake which will make many Japanese people cringe is putting them upright into the rice. Many foreigners feel that sticking chopsticks in the rice is an easy and obvious way to put them. However, in Japanese culture, sticking chopsticks vertically into rice should only be done only during funeral rituals, and therefore, something to be avoided during regular mealtimes. Try to use chopsticks holders if available, but if there are none then place your chopsticks uncrossed on your bowl or plate.

Another rule when eating with chopsticks in Japan is that one should avoid placing them in an “X” shape. It is said that crossed chopsticks represent death itself in China. While Japan may not associate this practice with death, it is still generally considered bad manners to cross your chopsticks. Whenever possible, try to remember to keep them in a parallel position whether they are in your hands or placed down.

There are many traditions and practices foreigners may not be aware of when they come to Japan, and this is generally understood and forgiven by the Japanese, as not everyone has the same cultural practices. As a foreigner you may be excused for not knowing every Japanese custom, but knowing more about the culture will certainly help you become better acquainted with the country and make a better impression with the people!