In Japan, table manners are highly valued, and politeness and expressions of gratitude are considered of the utmost importance.
It may come as no surprise, then, that the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage certified "Washoku", or traditional Japanese cuisine, carries many special rules and etiquette that can be tricky for newcomers to the country to grasp.
In this article, we will introduce the basic principles of Japanese table manners and important pointers that are bound to impress your hosts when dining in Japan.
Culture
Sep 27. 2024
Japanese Etiquette Series: The ultimate guide to dining in Japan - from how to use chopsticks to must-know table customs!
Before eating, say "Itadakimasu" and after eating, say "Gochisousama deshita"
Japanese people say "itadakimasu" before they start eating, whether at home or in a restaurant, and say "gochisousama deshita" with their hands together after finishing their meal.
"Itadakimasu" is said to express gratitude to God and the person who prepared the meal. This expression is very important in Japanese culture and is used as part of expressing gratitude to others and nature during meals.
"Gochisousama deshita" is often used after finishing a meal to express gratitude to the person who provided the meal. It is also used when someone treats you to a meal.
Why do Japanese people use chopsticks instead of spoons or forks?
Most Japanese people use chopsticks instead of spoons or forks when they eat. There are various theories on the origin of this practice, however it is said to date back to the Yayoi period (9th and 8th centuries BC to the 3rd century AD). This was the time when Queen Himiko ruled over Yamatai-koku (Yamato no Kuni), one of the countries believed to have existed in the Japanese archipelago. At that time, chopsticks were not used for eating, but for offering food to the gods. The chopsticks of that time were made by splitting bamboo in half, similar to tweezers or tongs.
The practice of using chopsticks for eating began around 1400 years ago, during the Asuka period. Ono no Imoko, a government official, brought Chinese cultural practices back to Japan when he voyaged to the Sui Dynasty (the Chinese dynasty at the time) as an envoy. At that time, there was a culture of eating rice with chopsticks in China. Therefore, Prince Shotoku, a member of the imperial family, introduced the culture of eating with chopsticks at the imperial court. From then on, it is said that the use of chopsticks spread in Japan. At that time, bamboo chopsticks were the mainstream, not wooden ones.
In other theories, Japan's oldest books, "Kojiki" and "Nihon Shoki", state that chopsticks have existed in Japan since ancient times. There is a myth written that one of the gods, Susanoo-no-Mikoto, gazed at a river and saw chopsticks floating down. By the Heian period, chopsticks had become commonplace in all Japanese households.
Proper Use of Chopsticks
Almost all restaurants in Japan provide their diners with chopsticks, which entail a specific set of manners.
Diners should try to only use the tip of the chopsticks (about 1.5 to 3cm), and to eat without getting them too dirty. Modern day practice states that it is acceptable to use up to about 4cm from the tip of the chopsticks.
When picking up chopsticks, it is considered polite to first pick them up with your right hand, then pass them to your left hand before adjusting them to their final position in the right hand. The flow of passing the chopsticks three times is considered refined.
Enjoy your meal at restaurants during your visit to Japan, and try to use these traditional table manners to impress your hosts!
Another point to consider is chopstick rests. When you put your chopsticks down in between eating, a chopstick rest will help you look like a true local. Why not buy a "Chopsticks & Chopstick Rest Set" as a souvenir from Japan?
Correct way to use "Oshibori"
In Japanese restaurants, when you enter, you are served water (or tea) and a "oshibori", or wet towel. Do you know why you are given an "oshibori"?
During the Edo period (1603-1867), cotton hand towels became popular, and at the entrance of inns called "Hatago", buckets of water and hand towels were prepared for travelers. Guests used them to wipe their dirty hands and feet.
Japan is a country with a hot and humid climate, surrounded by the sea, where people tend to sweat easily. This, combined with the Japanese people's love for cleanliness, is believed to have led to the birth of the oshibori. The name "oshibori" is said to originate from the act of "shiboru", which means to wring out a wet hand towel and wipe dirty hands and feet during the Edo period.
Oshibori has become an indispensable part of modern Japanese life, and of course, there is a correct way to use an oshibori when you are given one at a restaurant or izakaya.
When an oshibori is placed on the table upon arrival
1.Spread out the oshibori
2.Wipe both hands carefully
3.Fold it carefully and return it to its original position
When the oshibori is handed to you
1.Say "Thank you" and extend your right hand
2.From that position, wipe both hands carefully
3.Fold it carefully and place it on the table
When you receive a disposable oshibori
1.Tear the tip of the film and pull out the oshibori. Fold the remaining film carefully and place it on the table, or ask the staff to dispose of it
2.Spread the oshibori with both hands and wipe your hands carefully
3.Fold it carefully and place it on the table
If you spill something, call the staff and ask for a cloth to wipe it up. In most cases, it's better not to clean the table with an oshibori.
In Japan, the basic manner is to "eat all the food"
At a Japanese dining table, it is considered good manners to finish all the rice and side dishes that are served. By eating everything, you show your appreciation to the person who cooked the meal and the ingredients used.
If you have food allergies or certain foods you cannot eat, you can finish your meal without leftovers by checking the ingredients used at the restaurant before ordering.
Finishing your meal without leaving anything also serves as a way of thanking the person who prepared the meal, and expresses that it was delicious. However, if the portion is larger than expected and you become full, or if you simply cannot finish it, don't worry too much about leaving leftovers.
Cultural Differences: Making Noise When Eating Noodles
Have you ever heard Japanese people making a slurping sound when eating ramen or udon in Japan? In other countries, this behavior is considered a breach of manners, but not in Japan. Slurping is related to culture and tradition and seen as a form of courtesy to the person who made the meal. However, it is only acceptable to make noise when eating noodles or soup in Japan.
How was the article? When you go out to eat with Japanese people or visit restaurants and izakayas during your trip to Japan, we hope this information will be useful.
Contents Source
This information is sourced by Fun Japan Communications Co., Ltd.
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