Japanese chopsticks are a bit different than the ones we use in the U.S. They are a little shorter and thicker, making them easier to hold and use for extended periods. And they have a pointed end, which makes them easier to spear food with.
Here are tips on how to eat with Japanese chopsticks:
The easiest way to hold your chopsticks is by keeping them at the top, between your thumb and index finger. If you have long nails or are wearing rings, hold them at the bottom of the handle; this will protect your fingers from getting injured by sharp nails or rings when you drop food on them.
When you pick up a piece of food with chopsticks, hold the pointed end with your thumb and index finger, then grab the food with the other end. This makes it easier to pick up small pieces of food, like sushi or dumplings, and larger pieces, like noodles or rice balls.
Don’t Cross Them Over Each Other
When picking up food from a plate or bowl, never cross your chopsticks over each other, as they could slip out of your hand and drop what you’re trying to hold onto. Instead, pick up one piece at a time.
Don’t Tap or Rub Bowls or Plates with Chopsticks
If you’re dining at a restaurant that provides communal tables or tatami rooms where everyone sits on the floor, don’t tap or rub bowls or plates with your chopsticks while preparing food like rice balls (onigiri) or noodles (soba). This is considered rude because it disturbs other people’s conversations.
Keep Your Fingers Together In Front Of The Chopsticks
Chopsticks should be held with your index finger on one side and your thumb on the other. Your fingers should be pressed against each other, forming a triangle below the chopsticks.
This is another vital tip when it comes to eating with Japanese chopsticks. It would be best if you made sure that the food goes all the way into your mouth without biting into it with your teeth first. This will help prevent choking and also keep your mouth clean. It’s also vital that you don’t use your teeth while holding onto the food while picking it up with another hand; this is considered rude in Japan.
Before you even step into a Japanese restaurant, practice using chopsticks at home or in the office. This way, you can get used to using them and get comfortable before entering public. If possible, have someone else teach you how to hold and use them correctly; this will make eating easier when dining with others later.
Learning how to use chopsticks may feel a bit like mastering The Force. The more you practice, the easier and more natural it becomes. These seven tips should help you relax when faced with a set of chopsticks; all you have to do is approach the task and stay calm.