Dining Etiquette

Await instructions on where to sit. A protocol needs to be followed. The individual who is being honored or who is the oldest will take the center seat, which is the farthest away from the door. The honored guest or the oldest individual starts eating first. You will reap huge rewards if you can use chopsticks.

Chopsticks should never be pointed. Do not use chopsticks to pierce your food. Every few bites, when you drink or pause to speak, and when you put your chopsticks down, you should put them back in the chopstick rest. When placing your chopsticks on the chopstick rest, avoid crossing them.

On one side of your plate, arrange the bones. Try a few other things. If you don't like the taste of anything, it's acceptable to ask what it is and even to make a face. Be prepared for your Japanese coworkers to gulp their soup and noodles. Rice and other foods are typically not combined. One is eaten after the other, but they should never be combined as is common in many Western nations.

Do not complete the contents of your glass if you do not wish to drink any more. An empty glass is a request for more service from someone. Place your chopsticks on the chopstick rest or the table when you've finished eating. Chopsticks should not be laid across the top of your bowl.

You will be given more rice if you leave any in your bowl. Completely eating all of the rice in your dish will indicate that you do not want more. When you're done eating, it's fine to leave a tiny quantity of food on your plate. The conversation is usually quiet at the table. The Japanese take their time eating.