Chopsticks are an important part of Japanese dining etiquette, and there are some basic rules to follow when using them when visiting Japan:
Do not spear or impale food with your chopsticks. Instead, use them to pick up small pieces of food or to break larger pieces into smaller, bite-sized portions.
Do not pass food directly from your chopsticks to another person's chopsticks. This is a ritual that is reserved for funerals and is considered bad luck in other settings.
Do not rub your chopsticks together to remove splinters or smooth them out. This is seen as rude and implies that the chopsticks are of poor quality.
When not in use, rest your chopsticks on the chopstick holder or on the edge of your plate. Do not stick them vertically into your food, as this is reminiscent of a funeral ritual.
When sharing dishes with others, use the opposite end of your chopsticks or a separate pair of communal chopsticks to take food from the dish.
By following these basic rules, you can show respect for Japanese dining etiquette and enjoy your meal with others in a polite and respectful manner.
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