Dining In and Out:The Japanese Way

Chopsticks Handling Techniques & Manners

Chopsticks are used for eating food in most Asian cultures, and each culture has its own styles and rules. In Japan, people use wooden or bamboo chopsticks that are relatively short in length. Here, we offer a practical overview of basic to advanced techniques and manners that will surely help you enjoy your dining experience in Japanese restaurants.

Types of Chopsticks

Japanese chopsticks are usually coated with urushi (natural lacquer) or synthetic resin lacquer for beauty and durability. Some are left uncoated to show off the beautiful texture of the wood. One end is usually narrower than the other, but chopsticks used for celebrations are thick in the middle and tapered on both ends. The thicker ends of uncoated chopsticks are sometimes cut on the diagonal to highlight the beauty of the wood. Chopsticks are narrower on one end in order to make it easier to separate fish meat from the bones.

How to Handle Chopsticks

Handling chopsticks properly is the first step in appreciating Japanese food. Just as proper table manners enhance your dining experience in Western culture, using chopsticks correctly not only makes your dining easier but also makes you look elegant. If you are new to chopsticks or having a hard time using them, don't worry. Follow the instructions below and practice a little, and you'll be fine.

Etiquette While Using Chopsticks

In Japanese restaurants, you will see a set of chopsticks placed in front of you on a hashioki (a small object on which to rest your chopsticks). The hashioki is an important tool, and you should rest your chopsticks on it when you are not using them. Place the narrower ends of your chopsticks––an inch or so below the tips––on the hashioki and rest the wider ends on the table. Don't ever place your chopsticks on a plate or bowl. Be sure not to let the tips of the chopsticks (which you are putting in your mouth) touch the rest.

Some restaurants provide waribashi (disposable wooden chopsticks that are connected at the end) and no hashioki. This implies that the restaurant is casual and does not care so much about proper manners. You can, however, make your own hashioki by using the paper that the waribashi come in to make an instant, origami-style hashioki (two examples are introduced below). At the end of your meal, put your waribashi back in the paper case and fold the end of it. This signals that you are finished eating. Since waribashi are connected at the end, you should break them yourself. There is a correct method: First, hold the waribashi on your lap horizontally and take them out of the paper case by sliding horizontally. Pull the upper segment of the waribashi with your right hand while holding the lower part tightly with your left hand.

How To break Chopstick

Bad Manners You Should Avoid

Futari-bashi: Two people grabbing the same piece of food with their chopsticks at the same time.
Hashi-watashi: Using chopsticks to give a piece of food to another person, who takes it directly from your chopsticks with his chopsticks. This is considered ominous because this action is used to pick up bones during cremation.
Kakikomi-bashi: Putting your mouth on the edge of the bowl and using your chopsticks to shovel food into it.
Kami-bashi: Biting the tips of your chopsticks.
Mayoi-bashi: Moving your chopsticks over several dishes while you try to decide what to pick up.
Namida-bashi: Allowing soup or sauce to drip from the food you picked up or from the chopsticks themselves.
Neburi-bashi: Licking your chopsticks.
Saguri-bashi: Looking for favorite ingredients in a soupy dish by probing around with your chopsticks.
Sashi-bashi: Sticking your chopsticks into a piece of food to pick it up.
Sora-bashi: Picking up a piece of food with your chopsticks but then deciding not to eat it and bringing the food back to the plate.
Tate-bashi: Sticking chopsticks into the center of a bowl of rice. This action is only for offering rice to the dead.
Utsuri-bashi: Trying to pick up one piece of food with your chopsticks and then switching your target to another piece of food.
Watashi-bashi: Resting your chopsticks on the plate or bowl during the meal.
Yose-bashi: Using your chopsticks to pull your plate or bowl to you.
Yubisashi-bashi: Pointing at people with your chopsticks during the meal.

The Latest Chopsticks

Since waribashi are convenient, they are very popular, but this reliance on disposable chopsticks is harmful to the environment because it contributes to deforestation. In response to this concern, portable and reusable chopsticks called “eco-bashi” or “my-hashi” have become popular in Japan these days. Chopsticks that come in a small carrying bag or box and ones that can be disassembled are the most popular portable varieties. Available in many designs and colors, these eco-bashi are now must-have items in Japan.

Steps FOR Handling Chopsticks Properly

1. Hold chopsticks
Grasp the middle of the chopsticks with your thumb, forefinger, middle finger, and index finger, as shown in the photo. One of the sticks is between your forefinger and middle finger, and the other stick is between your middle and ring fingers. You should hold the upper stick as though you are holding a pencil. The first joint of your ring finger should be bent a little, which makes it easier to hold the lower stick. Your thumb supports both chopsticks.

2. Move chopsticks
You should move only the upper stick that is held by your forefinger and middle finger. The lower stick between your middle and ring fingers should be immobile at all times. Your thumb helps to stabilize this lower stick. It might be easier for you to try to hold it using the first joint of your ring finger and the root of your thumb, as shown in the photograph. Then bring the upper stick back to its starting position. You'll realize how easy it is to move the upper stick with just your forefinger and middle finger.

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3. Pick up food
Once you become comfortable moving the upper stick, it will be easy to hold an object. Try picking up small beans for practice. You might be clumsy at first, but you are almost there! Make sure to keep the tips of the chopsticks aligned. If they are not aligned, it's very hard to pick up any object.

How to Make Origami-Style Hashioki

Hashioki A
1. Fold the waribashi case in the middle horizontally.
2. Make a loose single knot around the middle and press it down.
3. Stick chopsticks into the knot.

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Hashioki B
1. Fold the waribashi case in the middle vertically.
2. Fold it in the middle horizontally.
3. Place the folded side away from you and fold both sides down diagonally as shown.
4. Unfold the paper until you are back at Step 2. Push both sides inward along the folded mark you just made in Step 3 to make a three-dimensional stand.
5. Rest chopsticks on the stand.

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