Japanese Table Etiquette

Japanese Table Etiquette

Traditional Japanese table etiquette involves many nuances that would take a Westerner a long time to learn. However, there are some basic guidelines that every person should be able to follow when eating with sushi sets or using chopsticks at a Japanese restaurant.

How to use chopsticks

Japanese dinners often involve several dishes of shared food. In such cases, one should use the opposite end of the chopsticks to move food to a plate. When eating, chopsticks should be held towards the top rather than the middle or bottom. Poking or spearing food is inappropriate. If a rice bowl is being used, lift the bowl to your mouth with one hand while using the chopsticks with the other.

Chopsticks and sushi

There are two types of sushi: Maki and Nigiri. Maki sushi is round and wrapped in seaweed. Nigiri sushi is sliced and then pressed over rice. If your sushi set has a side dish for soy sauce, Nigiri sushi should be dipped fish side down and Maki sushi should be dipped seaweed side down.

Japanese tea sets

If you would like to use your Japanese tea sets in an authentic fashion, we highly recommend studying the history of the Japanese tea ceremony. The use of powdered Japanese green tea in this ceremony dates back to the 12th century. The rituals of the Japanese tea ceremony contain a great deal of religious, aesthetic and social significance.

Start learning about Japanese tea and sushi traditions today with chopsticks, sushi sets and Japanese tea sets from MangoGifts.com