In Japan, if you like eating as much as Brian and I do, you find a way to get food (even rice or soup) into your mouth when all you're given is chopsticks. It may not be pretty, but as long as it's effective, right?
Sort of. Soon after venturing offbase to restaurants, we became painfully aware that Japanese nationals tend to watch us to see how we "gaijin" use our chopsticks! They are making sure we do not violate these chopsticks rules of etiquette:
- Never pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks because this is a ceremonial gesture used during cremation services.
- Never stand chopsticks straight up in rice bowl because this gesture is used when making food offerings to the dead.
- Never spear food with chopsticks because this is considered impolite.
Other than that, we hold our chopsticks however we feel comfortable. And more importantly, whichever way leaves us satiated at the end of the meal. We may stick out as Americans, but at least we don't seem to be offending anyone!
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