Japanese Dining Manners

We all know that many things change when living in a different country. One of them is the dining manners.
In Japan, there are various dining manners and habits.
By knowing the dos and don'ts and being considerate to the people you eat with, you can enjoy your meals in a more enjoyable way.
 
This article will introduce you to Japanese dining manners.

Manners during meals

Differences between other countries and Japan

Eating food by making sound.
In Japan, when eating ramen or udon, you may make a slurping sound.
This is not a breach of etiquette.
It is okay to make a sound, but there is no need to do so.
 
Eating by lifting the bowl
In Japan, people eat by lifting up the bowl.

On the other hand, it is inappropriate to eat without holding and putting your mouth close to the bowl.
Eat neatly and with correct posture.

"Itadakimasu" and "Gochisosama"

In Japan, we say "Itadakimasu" when starting a meal and "Gochisosamadeshita" when finishing a meal.
Both are words of thanks to the person who prepared the food or dish.
You do not always have to say them every time, but it is better to say it whenever someone prepares a meal for you or when you are served a feast.

How to use chopsticks

When eating in Japan, chopsticks are used in most situations.
There are a few things you should not do when using chopsticks.
 
渡し箸　Watashi-bashi (passing chopsticks)
Placing chopsticks on a bowl before finishing a meal.

Passing chopsticks means that you have finished your meal.
Use a "chopstick rest" when laying chopsticks down during the meal.
 
刺し箸　Sashi-bashi (sticking chopsticks)
Sticking food into the chopsticks.

It is considered bad luck because it reminds people of funerals. This is because in Japanese funerals, people stick chopsticks in the food when offering meal to the deceased.
 
箸渡し　Hashiwatashi
Passing food with chopsticks and taking it at the edge of the chopsticks.

This is also considered bad luck because it also reminds people of funerals. In Japanese funerals, the deceased is usually burned.
After the burning, there is a ceremony in which the bones are collected with chopsticks and passed on.
 
Other bad manners include licking or biting the chopsticks.
Since chopsticks are used also outside of Japan, some people are familiar with the use of chopsticks.
Even if you are familiar with them, please remember not to use them inappropriately.

Clean hands before eating

In Japan, people clean their hands before eating, even if the food is not directly grabbed and eaten with the hands.
Before eating, wash your hands or clean them with a hand towel.

Consideration for people you eat with

When sharing food

When you eat out or have a party, it is common to share food with others.
When sharing, instead of using your own chopsticks, use separate chopsticks for sharing the food.
It is unhygienic in Japan to share food with chopsticks that have been used by others.
 
Also, when sharing a meal, start sharing starting with the oldest or most senior person.

Talking during a meal

It is not good to talk with food in your mouth while eating.
If you have food in your mouth, finish eating before speaking.
 
If you are dining in a quiet restaurant, refrain from talking loudly.

When having a dinner with customers

Depending on the job, you may have meals with customers as a member of the company.
Business dining is a part of business. Proper etiquette will make a good impression as well.
While the basic dining manner is the same in business, please be aware of the following points.
 
Business card exchange
If you are having a meal with people you are meeting for the first time, exchange business cards with them first.
 
Toast timing
For dinners, toasts are often given.
When toasting, wait for the customer, boss, or other superior to raise his or her glass first.
 
When to order additional food or beverages
A good time to do this is when there is a break in the conversation during the meal.
Generally, the person in the lowest position in the room will confirm or order what additional beverages are to be served.

 
When you need to make a phone call
Even if you receive a phone call, you should generally not answer the phone while you are having a meal.
If there is no choice but to make a phone call, leave the room and speak quietly.
When leaving a room, also say "excuse me" before leaving.
 
After a meal
If you are going to feast, do not forget to thank them for their hospitality.
It is better to send a thank-you message after the dinner is over.

Finally

Dining is a part of communication.
Please understand the Japanese customs and manners when eating in Japan, and have a pleasant mealtime.

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