Chopsticks

English: Chopsticks for cooking Français : bois à manger (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

You are probably well aware that in Japan rather than using knives or forks, chopsticks are the most common eating implement. How much do you really know about chopsticks?

The chopsticks お箸(Ohashi)

At the home in Japan, each family has their own chopsticks. Parents tend to use long chopsticks and children use short chopsticks. There are a variety of colors and designs in department and other stores in Japan.

Many Japanese people carry around their own set of chopsticks. By doing this they avoid having to use the cheap throw away chopsticks (waribashi) that are often supplied at bento shops. Most Japanese find chopsticks easier to use that a knife and fork.

When eating at a restaurant in Japan you will see a Chopstick rest (箸置き hashioki) on the table. If there is no chopstick rest and you need to put your chopsticks down then simple fold the wrapper your chopsticks came in, into an accordion shape and use that as the rest.

Never ever ever

Lift chopstick above mouth height.
Tear food apart by holding one chopstick in each hand
Shake off liquid on tip of chopstick.
Swing hand that is holding chopstick.
Shovel food into mouth with chopsticks, with the edge of you mouth on the rice bowl
Let chopsticks roam around plate while you are deciding what next to eat.
Hold chopsticks with hand that is already holding dish.
Put food in your mouth that is dripping.
Lick cop sticks.
Use chopsticks upside-down.
Eat with unmatched pair of chopsticks.
Tap plate with chopsticks.
Pass food from one person to another using chopsticks.
Use as toothpick.