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5 DON’Ts of Japanese Chopsticks
Emika
I’m always clumsy with chopsticks when I eat sushi…
Me too! I’m a bit worried that I might get weird stares from local Japanese…
Fair enough. When it comes to foreign customs, I think it’s crucial to first make sure to avoid taboos.
That’s considered important in my country as well. Otherwise, it could be impolite and unpleasant for the locals.
Right. Using their tools appropriately means respecting their culture, which helps you develop better relationships with local people! Let’s get started.
Why Does Chopstick Etiquette Matter in Japan?
Chopsticks are just tools for mealtime, right? So why is it important to use them properly in Japan?
Here are the main reasons:
- Some taboos with chopsticks are reminiscent of funeral customs.
- Other taboos are considered to lack cleanliness, politeness, and appreciation for food.
- Using them correctly makes it easier to use chopsticks (like locals do!)
Unfortunately, a majority of modern Japanese people don’t use them appropriately. To be honest, I used to be one of them.
Yet, with some practice and intentionality, we can learn basic manners, which leads us to appreciate food more like the ancient Japanese did!
5 DON’Ts in Using Japanese Chopsticks
Among over 70 manners (wow!), here are my top 5 taboo selections people tend to do when using chopsticks.
1. Passing food from one to another with chopsticks (“Hashi-watashi”)
”Hashi-watashi (箸渡し)” refers to taking the same food simultaneously as another person or passing food from one to another using two pairs of chopsticks.
It’s probably one of the worst. Why? Because this act is a part of funeral rituals, symbolizing a bridge (“hashi 橋”) that invites the deceased to the afterlife.
Crap, I was doing that with my friend when sharing sushi…
Nooo, please don’t! This funeral-related behavior is often regarded as highly disrespectful.
2. Dripping liquid (“Namida-bashi”)
“Namida-bashi(涙箸),” literally translated as “tearing chopsticks,” refers to dripping sauce or soup from the food you are holding with chopsticks.
It would be not only messy and unsightful for other diners but also inconsiderate for a person who cleans it up afterward (e.g., your family member or a waiter/waitress).
3. Stabbing food with chopsticks (“Sashi-bashi”)
Have you seen someone pricking food with their chopsticks, just like with forks?
This stabbing act, which is called “sashi-bashi (刺し箸),” is also a taboo in Japan.
Seriously? Why??
First, stabbing with chopsticks tends to give an offensive impression to Japanese people, who are traditionally used to gently sandwiching food.
Second, the act of stabbing food looks like checking whether your food is cooked enough, which may make the chef feel awkward and disappointed.
But still… pinching food with two sticks is a hassle! What should I do then?
I get it. Here are some tips from me.
- Release any tension in your hand and arm.
- Try to gently pick up your food and carefully bring it to your mouth.
- Take your time! No rush.
Also, if you find it really impossible to eat with chopsticks, you can ask for a spoon or a fork.
Most of the time, it’s absolutely fine at dining tables and restaurants in Japan… because they understand your hassle!
4. Licking the tips of chopsticks (“Neburi-bashi”)
“Neburi-bashi (ねぶり箸)” refers to licking the tips of chopsticks to clean up some food or sauce stuck on the tips.
For most people, this act is dirty and unsightful.
So… to avoid wasting leftovers on your chopsticks, it would be best to eat up your bite at once!
5. Gobbling food with your mouth attached to the bowl (“Kakikomi-bashi”)
Attaching your mouth to the bowl, and gobbling food with your chopsticks… This might make you smile if someone is devouring food with delight like this.
Yet, this behavior is often seen as unacceptable, called “kakikomi-bashi (かきこみ箸).”
Why? Because it looks like pushing food down in a hurry, which may give a messy and vulgar impression to other diners.
Be a bit careful, especially if you are a guest at someone’s place in Japan.
Takeaway
Damn, I didn’t know all of them….
Actually, I’ve seen some of those taboos in anime. But in the real world, they are better to be avoided, I guess.
Right. Although nowadays fewer Japanese are so sensitive about chopstick manners, it’s safe not to commit primary taboos to respect their values, like in other cultures.
I’ll keep that in mind and practice more to become a “chopstick pro!”
Hahaha, and of course, to enjoy meals better with locals in Japan!
About Me
A plant-based food lover, born and raised in Japan. Currently based in Tokyo — and sometimes, in the Netherlands. I explore the connection between food, culture, and ordinary life through simple recipes and warm cross-cultural stories. I mainly write in English and Dutch.
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