About Chopsticks Shokado Bento/Box Lunch

There are a few important guidelines for proper chopstick use in Japan. By following these tips, you can learn the correct and polite way to handle chopsticks.
Knowing the right way to use chopsticks enhances your dining experience and is highly appreciated as a form of etiquette in Japan.

Chopsticks Mentioned in the Nihon Shoki

The Nihon Shoki contains the earliest recorded mention of chopsticks in Japan, dating back to the 11th year of Empress Suiko’s reign (603 AD).
In this year, chopsticks were noted as being used during a banquet.

This reference is considered a significant marker of the official use of chopsticks in Japan. It indicates that by this period, chopsticks were already in use in the imperial court.
The era of Empress Suiko was marked by the spread of Buddhism and strong influence from Chinese culture, leading scholars to believe that chopsticks were also introduced from China during this time.

1. How to Hold Chopsticks

Top chopstick: Hold it with your thumb, index, and middle fingers.
Bottom chopstick: Support it with the base of your thumb and ring finger, keeping it steady.
Use only the top chopstick to move, aligning the tips of both chopsticks to pick up food.

2. Chopstick Etiquette

Do not point: Avoid using chopsticks to point at things or people.
Passing food: Avoid passing food directly from chopstick to chopstick; this resembles a funeral practice and is considered taboo.
Skewering food: Do not stab food with chopsticks to eat it.
Licking chopsticks: Do not lick or move chopsticks around in your mouth while eating.

3. Placing Chopsticks During Meals

When setting down chopsticks during a meal, use a chopstick rest. If no rest is available, lay them horizontally on the edge of your bowl or plate.

4. How to Hold a Bowl

When lifting a bowl, hold your chopsticks in one hand and use the other hand to support the bowl, ensuring a balanced hold.

5. After Finishing Your Meal

Once you finish eating, place the chopsticks on the chopstick rest or lay them horizontally across the edge of your bowl.
Avoid standing them upright or placing them haphazardly.