Mind your chopsticks manners By Aki Omori
Publisher:The Yomiuri Shimbun - Publication Date: 15-04-2008

In Japan, properly using your chopsticks is closely associated with good manners. Chopsticks themselves, according to one ethnologist, have been in use here at least as far back as the Nara period (710-794).

The oldest Japanese pair, according to Naomichi Ishige, professor emeritus at the National Museum of Ethnology in Suita, Osaka Prefecture, were unearthed from the ruins of Heijo Palace in Nara.

Curiously enough, many others were found in the remains of public offices--not private homes. "Government officials of that time are believed to have eaten meals provided for them. Although they used chopsticks at the office, they are believed to have eaten with their hands at home," Ishige said.

Chopsticks originated in China. They are believed to have spread to Japan during the Nara period, when they were considered among fashionable foreign items.

Starting 10 years ago, Obama, Fukui Prefecture-based chopstick manufacturer Hyozaemon began seeking to correct the poor usage of the utensils found in modern Japanese society.

Masaaki Kichise, manager of Nihonbo, a shop run by Hyozaemon in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, is considered an expert on the subject. Kichise said he is often bothered by the sight of people using chopsticks incorrectly.

"I see many people using their left hand to catch anything that might fall from their chopsticks. Doing this--not to mention being messy in the first place--is bad manners," Kichise said, explaining that a dish should be used instead of the hand. "It is also important to have good posture when eating."

First things first: You must choose chopsticks with a length that is best suited to you. The best length, according to Kichise, is 1.5 times the distance between your outstretched thumb and index finger. A good rule of thumb (or maybe toe) is to choose a set that is two centimetres shorter than your shoe size.

Before making your purchase, be sure to check the weight and thickness to make sure they are comfortable, as chopsticks can vary.

"Using chopsticks correctly makes you look beautiful when eating," Kichise said.

According to Hyozaemon, you should hold your chopsticks at a point about two-thirds of the way up from the tips. Hold the top chopstick between your thumb and index finger and support it with your middle finger.

Your other chopstick should be placed firmly against where your thumb and index finger meet, with it supported against the fingernail on your ring finger.

By doing this, the tips of your chopsticks will meet, forming a beaklike triangle. If you can use them dexterously by only moving the upper chopstick, you've got perfect chopstick manners. If not, read on.

Kichise recommends placing a rubber band around your thumb and index finger in the shape of a figure eight, using the rubber band to support the upper chopstick. Place the lower chopstick beneath the rubber band, at the base of your thumb. The rubber band will hold the chopstick firmly in place, allowing you to smoothly control the upper chopstick.

Manners are not just for making people feel at ease. They also serve to ensure a balanced diet by making it difficult to use your chopsticks to select only what you like from a dish.

foto

Attached Images

chops.jpg (7.4 KB, 6 views)

so wait....


stabbing the chicken and holding it up on the chopstick while eating it .....thats.....thats a nono?


just ... just so we're clear on that

Technically I didn't have to read far but that was only because of my previous trail and error. I still have my problems but I think I wouldn't offend people too much.

I do have to say I wasn't always given the chance to offend anyone because when I went to a Thai/Korean/Chinese restaurant with my asian friends, as soon as I sat down a fork and knife would appear at on my right side and no one else's. Twice, before I could even start eating the server would open/stir my food for me, trying to "help" me out. The opening happened when I orded some rice that was wrapped in some very large leaves. I have never gotten mad but I wonder, do I look that inapt or is it a possible unconscious stereotype; lets help the black girl, she looks like she needs it...lol. My asian friends got a kick out of it each time

__________________

I just can't help myself. Risk it all with me.

Actually some waiters do that to everyone. I don't actually mind.. it just gives me a reason to give to give a tip or not. I'm a meanie, haha.

.