Practice makes perfect

In Japan, it is good manners to eat with chopsticks. However, the skilled use of narrow pieces of wood as eating implements does take some practice. We have put together a few tips to familiarise you with the use of chopsticks. Why not try it out!

1. Place both chopsticks in the hollow between the thumb and index finger of your right or left hand.

2. Close your hand loosely, so that the chopsticks are supported on top by your thumb. Your ring finger, middle finger and index finger will automatically close around the chopsticks. Rest the chopstick that points towards your body on your ring finger. Support it by exerting gentle pressure with the bottom part of the thumb. The second chopstick rests gently on the middle finger. The index finger and tip of the thumb keep it in place.

Only the upper chopstick is moved by the index, middle finger and thumb to pick up and hold small pieces of food like a pair of pincers.

Important rules for using chopsticks

> Never stick the chopsticks in the food. Place the chopsticks on the edge of the bowl or table with the tips pointing left. Sticking chopsticks in the rice is associated with a burial ritual.
> Please never use the chopsticks to skewer food!
> Do not pass pieces of food from chopstick to chopstick. This is also associated with a burial ritual.
> It is not polite to point at people with chopsticks or to wave them around in the air.
> After the meal, place the chopsticks in the position that you found them in.