Japanese Dining Etiquette

culture · respect · food traditions · manners

Say itadakimasu. Before eating, Japanese people say 'itadakimasu' (roughly 'I humbly receive') to show gratitude to the people who prepared the meal and the plants and animals that became the food.

Chopsticks matter. You should never stick chopsticks upright in rice (it looks like a funeral ritual) or pass food chopstick-to-chopstick (also funeral-related). Always rest them properly on a chopstick holder.

Slurp your noodles. It's polite and even expected to slurp noodles loudly in Japan, especially ramen and udon! It shows you're enjoying the food and helps cool it down.

Say gochisousama. After eating, you say 'gochisousama deshita' (thank you for the meal) to acknowledge everyone's effort in preparing and serving your food.

Wait for everyone. In formal settings, you should wait until the oldest or most honored person starts eating before you begin, showing respect through patience.