Japanese Table Manners: A Beginner's Guide

Good table manners show respect for the food and your hosts. Here are the essentials.

Before and after eating

Say いただきます before your meal and ごちそうさまでした after — gratitude for the food.

Chopstick etiquette

• Never stick chopsticks upright in rice.
• Don''t pass food chopstick-to-chopstick.
• Use the opposite ends or a serving utensil for shared dishes.
• Rest chopsticks on the holder, not across the bowl.

Eating norms

• Slurping noodles is fine — even a compliment.
• Lift small rice and soup bowls toward your mouth.
• Try not to leave rice behind.
• Pour drinks for others, not just yourself.

Follow these and you''ll dine comfortably and respectfully at any Japanese table.