{"id":59752,"date":"2024-06-26T17:55:38","date_gmt":"2024-06-26T09:55:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.likejapan.com\/en\/?p=59752"},"modified":"2025-03-07T11:34:40","modified_gmt":"2025-03-07T03:34:40","slug":"chopsticks-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.likejapan.com\/en\/life\/chopsticks-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"The essential chopsticks guide to know in Japan – dos and don’ts, how to use, types of chopsticks"},"content":{"rendered":"

It is no doubt that chopsticks are the single most important utensils in Japan. The most amazing thing about using chopsticks is that you can use them to eat everything \u2014 from sushi to ramen, from meat to salad, and so much more! In particular, there are some dos and don\u2019ts regarding chopsticks as well. Here is an introduction to Japanese chopsticks.<\/p>\n

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The bridge between mortal and immortal<\/h2>\n

The Japanese word for chopsticks is \u201chashi\u201d, which is a homophone with the Japanese word meaning \u201cbridge\u201d. In fact, chopsticks do act as a bridge in different occasions and rituals. In the past, they were used\u00a0for sharing food with the gods rather than for people taking meals. The chopsticks used for ceremonies are tapered on both ends. When those chopsticks were used to eat the food that was offered, mortal and immortal dined together. Today, you can still see ceremonial chopsticks during New Year celebrations.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Copyright(C) 2017 \u307f\u3093\u306a\u306e\u304a\u7bb8\u30d7\u30ed\u30b8\u30a7\u30af\u30c8 All Rights Reserved<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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Find your own pair of chopsticks<\/h2>\n

Unlike Chinese and Korean families, who usually keep a collection of a dozen chopsticks in a box, Japanese families tend to keep personal pairs of chopsticks for each family member. The everyday use chopstick is tapered at only the end users to grasp the food. You will find a vast variety of designs, chopsticks made from wood, lacquer, plastics, crystals, metals\u2026 Modern designs may include popular cartoons, flowers of the seasons, and even a customized name-carved on the chopsticks as well. There are also chopsticks for different cooking methods, such as long wooden chopsticks for deep frying and stainless steel chopsticks for Japanese barbecue.<\/p>\n

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Copyright \u00a9 \u4eac\u90fd\u304a\u306f\u3057\u5de5\u623f_\u4eac\u90fd\u306e\u304a\u7bb8\u5c02\u9580\u5e97 All Rights Reserved.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

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How to use chopsticks<\/h2>\n

This is a standard way of how to hold the chopsticks, however, it is up to you to decide the most comfortable and efficient way to use chopsticks. Once you master the skill, you can use chopsticks to enjoy all kinds of food.<\/p>\n

1.Grasp one stick a third of the way down between thumb and index finger, supporting it from underneath with the middle finger<\/p>\n

2.Place the second stick in the bend between thumb and index finger supporting it with the base of the thumb and ring finger<\/p>\n

3.Move the top chopsticks up and down, making sure to keep the back ends from coming together<\/p>\n