Japanese table manner

I would like to introduce Japanese table manner. We also use chopsticks but there are many rules way to eat different from Vietnam. There are three parts. At first, I will tell you how to eat rice. Second, I will tell you how to use chopsticks. Finally, I will tell you my memories in childhood.

Almost of all the Japanese eat rice. However, people which eat only bread or other food not rice are increasing. We empty our dishes to the last grain of rice. “The eyes of us who are careless with rice (or left rice) are crushed”. This tradition means such as the children lose their mind which consider important all things. So, I always eat all a grin of rice. If you can’t eat a lot amount of rice, choice only your portion which you can eat.

     In Japan, there are a number of manner of chopsticks. Sashibashi means that way to eat by sticking my chopsticks into food. The other manner is Watashibashi. This is placing my chopsticks across the rim of dish before finishing a meal so we use a chopstick rest or use fold a chopstick envelop like real. It’s a signal that you finish dishes.

     I was often warned about manner during dinner by my mother when I was child. “You don’t rest you elbows on the table, don’t sit with your knee drawn up, eat having a bowl and don’t eat foods with your mouth open, my mother said to me.” Vietnamese also use chopsticks, don’t you? Therefore Japanese manner may be alike with Vietnamese manner but there are the opposite manners too. When you come to Japan, you would better to search about Japanese manner. You will be able to enjoy a trip to Japan.