Japanese table manners

Chopsticks

・Sticking chopsticks upright: It is considered extremely inappropriate to stick chopsticks vertically into a bowl of rice, as this resembles a ritual performed at funerals.
・Passing food from chopstick to chopstick: This is also taboo because it reminds people of the practice of passing bones during funeral rituals.
・Chopstick rest: When not using chopsticks during a meal, it is polite to place them on a chopstick rest. Placing chopsticks across a bowl or plate is sometimes considered impolite.

The words before and after the meal

Before starting a meal, it is customary to say "itadakimasu" ("I humbly receive"), and after finishing, "gochisousama" ("Thank you for the meal"). These phrases express gratitude towards the food and the person who prepared it.

Handling dishes

・Holding bowls: In Japan, it is common to hold small bowls or rice bowls while eating. Especially when eating rice or soup, it is polite to lift the bowl and bring it closer to your mouth. Leaving the bowl on the table and eating from it without lifting it can be seen as impolite.
・Avoid making noise: Handling dishes or chopsticks roughly, or making loud noises while eating, is considered bad manners.

Not leaving food behind

In Japan, food is treated with respect, and it is polite to finish what has been served. While you shouldn’t force yourself to overeat, it’s important to be mindful of how much you order so you can finish your meal without waste.

How to Drink soups

Miso soup and other soups are typically drunk directly from the bowl. Rather than using a spoon, you hold the bowl and sip the broth. The solid ingredients can be eaten with chopsticks.
※ When pouring drinks for others, it is considered polite to use both hands to hold the bottle or pitcher. When your own glass is empty, it is customary to wait for someone else to pour for you, rather than pouring your own drink.

Sounds

When eating noodles (especially soba or ramen), it is acceptable, and even common, to slurp them. This method enhances the flavor and aroma of the noodles. However, for other types of food, it’s polite to eat quietly.

How to share the foods

When taking food from a shared plate, it is polite to use the opposite end of your chopsticks (the end you hold) to pick up the food. In many cases, communal serving dishes will have their own designated serving chopsticks, which should be used instead of your personal ones.