Japanese eating habits

Japan has a rich culture which also translates into their eating habits. At the start of the meal you should always say "itadakimasu", when everyone has finished their meal they close by saying "gochisousama deshita". In this blog I am going to discuss a few important aspects of Japanese eating habits and etiquette.

There are two things you can generally find on every Japanese table: ice cold water and green tea. These drinks usually come free of charge in restaurants, and can be refilled as much as you want. If you notice an empty glass on the table, you are expected to refill it, especially when it is not your own glass. Soft drinks such as cola or lemonade are less common with meals and are more likely to be seen as a special treat. 

Japan is famous for its sushi, no doubt about it. And there is a very particular way of eating sushi in Japan, starting with the famous chopsticks! Entire books have been written about the correct use of chopsticks, but for now I will leave it at the following tips:

• Do not put your sticks upright in the rice as it is an insult to the dead.
• Two people grabbing the same piece of sushi should be avoided at all times, even if someone is clearly having difficulty picking up something. Picking up the same piece of food together is part of a funeral ritual. Not something you want to think about during a nice dinner.
• Do not poke the food with your chopsticks, for example to pick up takoyaki.
• Never put your sticks down on the table, always put them on the holder that is intended for that purpose.

It is also important to always empty your plate. If not, the chef takes this as an insult and a sign of food waste. Next to that, it is vital to remember that tipping is not done in Japan. It is a customary habit in a lot of countries to show that the food or the service was great, but they will not accept it in Japan and even try to return you the money. This not only applies to the food sector, but also to hotels, taxis and so on.

Of course, Japanese people know that these habits are not that easy to remember. Don't be afraid to make mistakes, they will not be angry. On the contrary, if you show them you respect their habits, they will laugh off any mistakes you might make!

Ruben Mettepenningen