Jun 12, 2014
10 Things You Shouldn’t do with Chopsticks in Japan
No idea where I learned how to use them, but somehow I have become quite adept at manipulating these little sticks. I was once asked to eat in front of an entire kindergarten classroom filled with children so they could watch how I did it. “See, if he can do it this well so can you!” was essentially how the lesson went. Mortifying really, but at least it was in the service of children?
Anyway, on your journey to dining excellence there are a few rules to keep in mind when eating with “ohashi” in Japan.
10 things that you shouldn’t do with chopsticks
- Rub them together
- Stab them into food, or stick them into a bowl of rice
- Split the disposable chopsticks vertically
- Play drums with them
- Point to people or objects
- Drag bowls or plates with them
- Pass food to another person’s chopsticks directly
- Wave them around while talking
- Dig around in food with them
- Stir your “chuhai” with them
More info – “Chopstick Crimes” from Japanzine
Light Sabre Chopsticks! Japan has EVERYTHING!
How to Use Chopsticks
If you do not know how to use chopsticks and want a quick lesson I recommend this guide on eHow .
“Practice makes perfect when it comes to using chopsticks. It may look complicated but the key is that the bottom chopstick remains still while the upper chopstick moves to grasp the food. Here are a few steps to eating with chopsticks in no time.”
Have any chopstick stories to share? Let us know by commenting here, or on our FB page!
Ray Proper editor
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