The Japanese are well mannered people. You can even call them perfectionists, as most of their ways help get the best out of life. Japanese people have a set of rules for almost everything they do, and they follow these rules obediently. This article focuses on the set of rules which are observed while eating and drinking. If you are in Japan, following these rules (even if not properly) would be highly appreciated by the locals.

There is a basic set of rules which are to be observed in all cases. These are table manners, most of which are observed in other parts of the world as well. For example, burping loud is considered very bad manners in Japan. If you burp in a public place, people will stare at you as if you killed someone. Japanese like to observe silence while eating and any kind of noise is considered bad. Talking is allowed but only if it is at a volume which does not disturb others. Talking about unwanted topics is forbidden, topics related to the washroom or something similarly disgusting should not be discussed, especially when you are at a public restaurant. Indulging in disgusting acts, such as picking or blowing your nose, also shows a lack of etiquettes.

Here in Japan, before you start eating you are supposed to say “itadakimasu,” which means I accept. When you are finished you should say “gochisosama” which means thank you for the meal. When you are done eating, you should put everything back in place where they were before you started eating. This is especially observed in case one used chopsticks, they are supposed to be put back into their paper covers and back on the holder.

Now let’s come to the meals. Almost every Japanese cuisine requires using chopsticks, and with that comes a set of rules. First off, we will discuss the don’ts. Do not eat from the serving chopsticks, it is considered as an act of illiteracy. The chopstick should not be used as a fork, the Japanese offer food to the dead this way.
Do not use chopsticks to pass and accept food as bones of a cremated body are passed like this. Do not use chopsticks for any other purpose except eating.
Grab the chopsticks in one hand, align them parallel with the other hand and then adjust the first hand. Now you are holding chopsticks the proper way.
When you order a dish that is served with chopsticks, put it in your plate and eat it using your own chopsticks. Hold the item with the chopsticks and finish it off rather than putting it back on the plate. Women are required to put their other hand underneath the food while carrying it from the plate/bowl to their mouth.

If you are having a liquid meal, such as a soup or a rice dish, they should be served in bowls. While eating, lifting the bowl near you is considered polite. One should first finish the liquid and then eat the solid leftovers with a chopstick.
When we talk about drinking, again Japanese courtesy comes up. The server should offer others first rather than pouring it himself/herself. The server should occasionally check other people and fill them up as soon as needed. You should empty the glass as soon as possible if someone wants to serve you.

About the author

Over the last 3 years, Andrew has learnt the subtle and fascinating manners of the Japanese culture. When he is not sharing his passion for Japan, Andrew provides training on how to properly use sushi makers and especially nigiri machine