Dinning🍽️

Chopsticks Taboos in Japan

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Chopsticks are the most essential utensils in Japanese dining culture. However, there are correct and incorrect ways to use them. Japan has many dining customs, it’s highly recommended to learn about chopstick etiquette before visiting. Misusing chopsticks cannot only cause discomfort to those around you, but may also unintentionally violate cultural taboos.

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Things Taiwanese People Do at the Table—But Shouldn’t in Japan

• Avoid Rubbing Disposable Chopsticks Together!                                                                  Rubbing disposable chopsticks to remove splinters is considered bad manners in Japan. Not only does it appear impolite, but it also implies that the restaurant provides low-quality chopsticks or poor-quality service. To avoid offending the establishment, it's better to gently remove any small splinters by hand instead.     

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• Don't Separate The Food For Someone Using Your Chopsticks!                                           While it may seem polite to separate the food for someone else in Taiwan, this is a serious taboo in Japan. The reason is that this action closely resembles the ritual performed during cremation, where bones of the deceased are passed between the chopsticks(撿骨). To avoid this association, always place the food on a small plates for the other people to pick up.