There are several different ways to eat in Japan, but one of the most common is kaisen-ryori, or “mixing food.” This style of dining involves a variety of small dishes served together as part of a meal.

See here In this article we will look at some of the major rules regarding Japanese eating etiquette and the way that you should behave when dining out.

No Stomach Talk

The very first thing to remember about Japanese eating etiquette is that there are no words for “stomach” in Japanese and therefore it is inappropriate to talk about your stomach during a meal.

Instead, ask for something to drink or make sure that you have eaten enough before ordering more food. If you are still hungry after eating, you should politely decline any additional food orders until your appetite returns. In case you need a little extra time, simply say you will have another dish later in the evening.

Don’t Eat With Your Hands

When you sit down to dine with someone in Japan, it is polite to use chopsticks. However, if you do decide to use your hands, always wash them thoroughly beforehand. It’s also important to remember not to put anything on your hands before they touch your food, especially if you are eating sushi.

If you are eating raw fish, avoid placing it directly into your mouth. Instead, place it on top of a piece of nori (seaweed) and then dip it in soy sauce.

Don’t Ask For Help

It can be difficult to tell whether or not somebody is trying to help you when you are eating in a Japanese restaurant because they might actually be doing so without realizing it. Don’t be offended if you are offered assistance while you are eating.

Also, if you are unsure how much rice you have left at the end of a meal, just leave a few grains on the plate. When you return to the table, your server will come over and clear away the rice from your plate.

Wash Your Hands Before Food Is Placed in Them

Before you begin to eat, wash your hands thoroughly with soap. Then, before you pick up your utensils, rinse your hands again.

Additionally, when you finish your meal, don’t forget to wash your hands once more. This is an important habit since many people believe that washing their hands immediately after touching food will make them sick.

Keep Conversation To A Minimum

It is rude for the person who is paying the bill to discuss the menu with the waiter or waitress. So, if you want to know what other dishes are available, don’t ask the wait staff.

Similarly, don’t ask them questions such as “how long does it take to cook?” or “what is the best dish on the menu?” instead, ask your companions about their preferences.

Never Leave Money On The Table

At the end of the night, never leave money on the table. At your own expense, pay for everything that was ordered, even if you didn’t eat all of it. Asking for and receiving payment upfront is completely normal in Japan.

Avoid Unnecessary Noise

At a dinner party, it may seem like a good idea to sing loudly and enthusiastically with your friends, but it isn’t appropriate at a Japanese restaurant. Loud noises can disturb other patrons and it’s considered bad form. If you must sing, choose a quieter song or request that the music be turned off.

Leave a Tip

After your meal, make sure to leave a tip. The amount of money that you give to your server will depend on your relationship with them. However, almost every guest leaves a tip regardless of circumstance.

If you feel uncomfortable leaving a gratuity, you can offer to pay their salary instead. But, you shouldn’t expect any special treatment, since service workers receive exactly the same amount of money as anyone else.

Order From The Menu

When you order your meal in a Japanese restaurant, always go straight to the section of the menu that indicates which item corresponds to your choice. Many times, you will find that some items are listed under two separate sections of the menu (for example, “Sushi” and “Raw Fish”).

If you are confused by the wording, just go ahead and order whatever sounds good to you. After you place your order, the waiter will bring you the corresponding menu item and set it directly in front of you.

Ask Questions About Food

Although it is perfectly acceptable to ask the cook to explain how he/she made certain dishes, you should refrain from doing so whenever possible. Since the chef usually has only limited knowledge of the recipes, it could result in him/her answering incorrectly.

Do Not Take More Than One Bite Of Food

If you think that you might be able to polish off a large portion of your meal quickly, it would be wise to consider it a lost cause. Although there is nothing wrong with devouring half of a dish, it is considered impolite to wolf down food that wasn’t meant to be eaten that way.