Japanese table manners

When it comes to Japanese table etiquette, the first thing that comes to mind is chopsticks, because the Japanese, like the Chinese, like to use chopsticks at the table. The Japanese were Chinese a long time ago, so there are many similarities between their table etiquette and that of China. However, after so many years, the Japanese have also developed some table etiquette of their own. There are some differences between this and Chinese table manners.

Nowadays, many Chinese people like to go to Japan to work or travel, and they take it for granted that they apply Chinese table manners to the Japanese table. This can easily cause problems. Others may forgive minor mistakes, but if you are not careful, you may be misunderstood and cause unnecessary trouble. Let's learn about it together.

Table and Seating

In Japan, Japanese restaurants and traditional Japanese homes have low tables and seating cushions.

"I'm going to start eating" and "Thank you for the treat"

In Japan, people say itadakimasu (I am going to eat) before they start eating, and gochisosama (deshita) (Thank you for your hospitality) after they finish eating.

Eating together In Japanese homes and restaurants (such as taverns), when you order several dishes and eat together, you should use the shared chopsticks to take some food from the large plate and put it on your own plate.

Chopsticks

Correct use of chopsticks is an important part of Japanese table etiquette.

1. Blowing your nose in public should be avoided as much as possible, especially at the dinner table.

2. Try to eat all the food on the plate.

3. Avoid talking about the bathroom or unappetizing topics during, before, and after meals.

4. Try to avoid behaviors such as burping.

5. After the meal, put the used tableware back to the place where it was at the beginning of the meal, including covering the lid of the bowl and putting the chopsticks back into the chopstick box or paper bag.

In Japan, there are many high-end restaurants with stricter table etiquette. You still need to learn more about it. Japan's table etiquette has many similarities with China, but there are also many differences. Those who need to go to Japan or want to understand Japan can study it well to avoid unnecessary trouble and increase knowledge.