12 Chopsticks Don'ts Every Traveler to Japan Should Know (嫌い箸)

When you visit Japan, you'll likely find yourself using chopsticks more frequently. While it might seem challenging enough just to get the hang of using chopsticks, there are also some important etiquette rules to be aware of. By learning these rules in advance, you can ensure a more enjoyable and respectful meal. Here are 12 common mistakes to avoid when using chopsticks in Japan.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Pointing with Chopsticks (指し箸)

Pointing at people or objects with chopsticks is considered rude in Japan. Always avoid using chopsticks to gesture.

Sticking Chopsticks Upright in Food (立て箸)

This is a significant taboo because it resembles a funeral ritual where chopsticks are stuck upright in rice. Always place chopsticks parallel to the table when not in use. Small children tend to do this, but as they grow, they are corrected by adults and learn not to do it.

Passing Food with Chopsticks (箸渡し)

Passing food directly from chopsticks to chopsticks is another funeral-related taboo. Use serving utensils to transfer food instead. You should not pass food from one person to another using chopsticks.

Waving Chopsticks in the Air (迷い箸)

Waving chopsticks around while deciding what to eat is seen as impolite. Decide what to eat before picking up your chopsticks.

Spearing Food with Chopsticks (刺し箸)

Spearing food with chopsticks is considered bad manners. Chopsticks are meant to pick up food, not stab it. Since small children cannot use chopsticks skillfully, it is somewhat tolerated if they point at food with chopsticks, but they should be careful not to do so.

Using Chopsticks to Move Plates (寄せ箸)

Using chopsticks to push or pull plates around the table is not only impolite but also poses the risk of knocking over dishes. Use your hands to move dishes.

Licking Chopsticks (ねぶり箸)

Licking food off your chopsticks is seen as unhygienic and rude. Avoid this behavior while dining. When grains of rice stick to the tips of your chopsticks, you may be tempted to lick them off, but try to resist (lol).

Biting Chopsticks (噛み箸)

Biting or chewing on chopsticks is not only bad manners but can also damage them. Use chopsticks gently and mindfully.

Tapping Chopsticks (叩き箸)

Tapping dishes with chopsticks during a meal, such as when asking for a second serving. This refers to the act of making noise by hitting dishes with chopsticks. Actions such as doing this to call someone or playing with dishes as if they were percussion instruments are considered extremely bad manners. Additionally, there is a saying that "tapping a rice bowl will summon a hungry ghost."

Searching Chopsticks (探り箸)

Using chopsticks to dig around in a dish to find a specific piece of food.

Bridge Chopsticks (渡し箸)

Resting chopsticks across the top of a bowl or plate. This is considered impolite as it resembles a bridge and can be seen as disrespectful. Chopsticks should be placed on a chopstick rest. However, if you absolutely have no other place to put them, you might end up doing bridge chopsticks, but this is actually considered bad manners.

Dripping Chopsticks (涙箸)

When carrying a dish dipped in sauce to your mouth, it refers to dropping the sauce or letting it drip from the chopsticks. Make sure to drain the excess liquid well before bringing it to your mouth.

Conclusion

We introduced 12 chopsticks don’ts. While these are the main ones, there are many other chopstick etiquette rules that exist. To be honest, many Japanese people, including myself, do not always follow all these rules perfectly (embarrassingly, I sometimes end up doing bridge chopsticks when there's no place to rest my chopsticks). However, following these rules can make dining more enjoyable, so please keep these chopstick etiquette tips in mind. Remember, when in doubt, observe how locals use their chopsticks and follow their lead. Happy dining!