Table of contents:
Summary
The site "17 japanische Tischregeln/Tischsitten" serves as a guide to the essential etiquette and table manners observed in Japan, emphasizing the importance of politeness during meals. It highlights critical practices, such as waiting for everyone to gather before beginning to eat, showing respect to the cook, and saying "Itadakimasu"—a gesture of gratitude while clasping hands together. The article elaborates on specific rules regarding the use of chopsticks, including not stabbing food, avoiding pointing, and proper placement of chopsticks when not in use. It also addresses common table behaviors, advising against sniffling or blowing one’s nose at the table and maintaining decorum throughout the dining experience. Adhering to these customs is crucial for anyone wishing to blend harmoniously with Japanese dining culture.Politeness is very important in Japan. Especially when it comes to eating. Anyone who misbehaves is not taken seriously by society. If you don't want to make any mistakes when eating with Japanese people, you should read this article about Japanese etiquette rules. If there are any further rules that we don't know yet, we are happy to receive your message. It is certainly possible that not all rules are listed.
Don't start eating under any circumstances
You wait until all the people at the dining table have gathered. It is especially important that the cook/chef is present to show him/her the necessary respect. In reality, most people continue to cook, but you should briefly ask for permission. Ideally, the cook/chef will simply give the polite permission to start eating.
"Itadakimasu" as "Enjoy your meal" with folded hands
In Germany it's "Enjoy your meal", in Japan it's "Itadakimasu". This translates to "I receive it". Your hands should be folded together.
The arrangement of the dishes and chopsticks
Chopsticks play a major role in Japanese cuisine when it comes to eating. There are also many rules that you have to follow. It's better to learn them, otherwise eating with a Japanese person can easily fall apart.
Chopsticks: Never spear food, but pick it up, or chop it up if necessary
Spearing food with chopsticks is considered very rude in Japan. This should definitely be avoided. If the piece is too large or you are not used to eating with chopsticks, then chop it up first before eating it.
Chopsticks: Never point them at someone
Pointing at an object or person at the dining table with chopsticks is also very rude. So never point at people with your cutlery!
Chopsticks: Never point them at a dish
See point 05.
Chopsticks: Never stick chopsticks into rice, except on the day of mourning
When someone has died, two chopsticks are stuck into a bowl of rice. Accordingly, sticking them into the rice at the dining table should definitely be avoided. This is probably the most important rule to remember. Just put the chopsticks next to your plate. That way you definitely won't do anything wrong.
Chopsticks: Always face left, for left-handers face right.
Chopsticks must always face left, or for left-handers face right, whether you are holding them or laying them on the table.
Chopsticks: Do not push dishes with them
Chopsticks are only meant for eating. Pass plates, cups and other tablecloths with your hands. You should also remember this rule.
Chopsticks: Don't take something from a plate at the same time
Always wait until the other person has taken something from the plate. It is disastrous if the chopsticks of two people meet. This is described in point 11.
Chopsticks: Two pairs of chopsticks must never touch
It is very rude if two pairs of chopsticks touch. You should never do this under any circumstances.
Don't blow your nose
Common among Germans: Sniffing and blowing your nose loudly at the dining table. With spicy food, it's a given that your nose will run. With such dishes, it is allowed to subtly blow the contents of your nose upwards. If it's not possible subtly, go to another room or preferably to the toilet and let the sniff party begin.
Always slurp noodles
Ramen noodles absorb a lot of water within 2-5 minutes, which affects the taste. Therefore, eat as quickly as possible. The easiest way to do this is with a subtle slurp. You can also slurp normal soups. In restaurants you'll see that slurping is the norm.
Eat everything evenly
In Japan, people always eat evenly. If you are served soup, rice and side dishes, you should eat them evenly. In Japan, many small side dishes are served, which you should not gobble down in order.
Miso Shiru must be drunk
Miso Shiru (Miso Soup) in Japan is only drunk, and spoons are not used. You can take a few pieces of vegetables with your chopsticks, but to drink the soup, the bowl is lifted, brought to the mouth and drunk. It is important to blow and slurp. Because the soup is served extremely hot. If you were to drink the soup just like that, you would have burned your lip and tongue, which would be ugly.
Almost all dishes are eaten with chopsticks
Virtually every dish in Japanese cuisine is eaten with chopsticks. The exceptions are dishes that have been "Japanized". So originally not from Japan. One example is Kare-Raisu, where we have also published a recipe. This dish is eaten with a spoon. Other dishes are soups as described above.
When you are finished, say "Gochisousama deshita"
At the end of the meal, you wait until all the people have finished eating. It's best to eat in the same rhythm as the others beforehand. This way you finish eating together and you avoid uncomfortable waiting. Everyone then says "Gochisousama deshita" as a farewell, which means "Thank you for the wonderful meal".
Comments
Hello, I've already cooked several recipes and think they're all great. Now my question: do you also have a recipe for okonomiyaki? Thanks a lot in advance.
Hi Gabriele, thank you :) We will be releasing a recipe for it soon :)
Hallo both Ryusei and Matthias This article helped me a lot and it was very interesting to read and learn all about it. I have a Japanese girlfriend who has never told me about this, probably because I never asked xD I hope it's not a problem for you that I used your article for school purposes—I also mentioned where I got my work from. Best regards and have a nice day :)
Hi Ragheed, hehe we're really happy to hear that :)))) I hope you'll enjoy our site even more :) Best regards Matthias and Ryu
I love your site, you can learn so much about Japan here
Hello Emma, I'm glad to hear that! We’ll do our best to keep providing lots of Japan content. Best regards, Ryusei
Hi, thank you so much for your wonderful recipes and tips! I recently discovered Korean cuisine and have already tried cooking a few dishes. I'm absolutely thrilled by these explosions of flavor... just wonderful :)) Best regards from Lower Bavaria
Hello Dodo, Thank you very much, we're glad you like the blog and can try out a variety of Korean and Japanese recipes. Have fun continuing to cook with our recipes! :) Best regards, Ryusei
In Germany, it's kind of embarrassing to spill food on yourself while eating. When I eat ramen, it's impossible for me to keep my clothes clean. How do Japanese people feel about this? Is it normal?
Hallo Johanna, Spilling food is also considered very impolite and embarrassing in Japan. However, it’s a bit different with noodle soups; you’re not supposed to spill either, but since the noodles can make the soup splash, it’s pretty much unavoidable—especially because you’re supposed to eat noodle soups quickly. That’s why it’s “allowed,” and when eating ramen, it’s best to wear a small apron, especially if you don’t want to get your clothes dirty. Best regards, Ryusei
Hi, good article that draws attention to many “faux pas.” Just one thing: “Itadakimasu,” the polite form of “moraimasu” (to receive, to accept), is often taught to children in Japan as “I humbly receive (the life that was given so I may be nourished)”—“(Inochi wo) itadakimasu.” I think this is more accurate than “I will enjoy [this meal]” because it shows that, for us Japanese, even the tiniest grain of rice contains life, and we become conscious of that when we eat it. In this context, it might be important to mention that in Japan you really eat everything, meaning you pick up every grain of rice and leave nothing behind. This is especially relevant since leaving food behind is considered rather rude in many other countries. Best regards, Nanoka
Hello Nanoka, Thank you very much for your comment and feedback. We have updated this information! Best regards Ryusei
Hi everyone, During our trip to Japan, I can confirm that pretty much all the table manners mentioned above are indeed valid and observed. As a foreigner, any breach of etiquette is usually forgiven (since you don't know any better). Still, it was important to me to at least follow the simplest rules and phrases when eating. What can I say... it was always wonderful—when you show the necessary respect (even if you don't get every rule right), people are usually more helpful than you might expect at the start of the conversation. Of course, nobody likes a hypocrite, but if you show a basic willingness to follow table manners (and the customs in everyday situations), you'll experience in a wonderful and beautiful way just how friendly and helpful the normally reserved and busy Tokyoites, far away from English, can be. That said: polite behavior will probably get you further everywhere in the world... for Tokyo, you can definitely get off to a good start with the rules described here.
Hallo Matthias, great that my post about table manners helped you with your Japan trip. That makes me happy :) Best regards, Ryusei
Hello, thank you for the tips. Is it considered rude if you don't finish everything on your plate? Best regards
Hallo Amaury, Yes, it is often considered impolite not to finish your food in Japan, especially when you are a guest at someone's home or eating in a restaurant. Therefore, it is advisable to portion appropriately and only order as much as you can eat, to avoid waste and not offend the hosts or chefs. Best regards, Ryusei
Hi RyuKoch I always bring my own titanium chopsticks (when at Chinese and Japanese restaurants in Europe). I often don't like the chopsticks that are offered, especially the cheap wooden ones. How is this regarded in terms of manners? Thanks and best regards
Hey Jerome, Bringing your own titanium chopsticks is absolutely fine! Best regards, Ryusei