VIDEO: Avoid these no-nos when using chopsticks in Japan

Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi
Photos by Takahiro Takiguchi

VIDEO: Avoid these no-nos when using chopsticks in Japan

by Takahiro Takiguchi
Stripes Okinawa

As chopsticks have a 3,000-year history, various customs and traditions surround their use, and the following are some no-nos of chopsticks.

Take a good look at this video and avoid the following no-nos as they are considered rude:

1. Don’t pass food from one set of chopsticks to another. And don’t touch others’ chopsticks with yours.

2. Don’t use your chopsticks to move bowls or plates.

3. Don’t suck on your chopsticks.

4. Don’t stick potatoes or other foods with chopsticks. Instead, hold food by pinching up to help lift it or split the potato into small pieces with the chopsticks first.

5. Don’t use only one stick to pierce any food.

Avoid these no-nos and enjoy Japanese foods with chopsticks!

For more about chopsticks, refer to our story:

Okinawa version  

Japan version 

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