Blowing your nose at the table, burping audibly, and excessive munching sounds are considered bad table manners in Japan. These actions can be seen as disrespectful to others present at the meal. Let's delve a little deeper into Japanese dining etiquette.
Specific Examples of Bad Table Manners in Japan:
-
Blowing Your Nose: This is considered highly offensive and unhygienic in a shared dining space. If you need to blow your nose, excuse yourself and do so in private, such as in a restroom.
-
Audible Burping: While a small burp might be forgiven (and sometimes even seen as a sign of enjoying the food when done very discreetly), loud or excessive burping is considered impolite.
-
Loud Munching/Chewing: Making loud noises while eating (slurping noodles being an exception) is generally frowned upon. Try to eat quietly and with your mouth closed.
-
Sticking Chopsticks Upright in Rice: This action is associated with funeral rituals, as it resembles offerings made to the deceased. It's considered extremely unlucky and disrespectful. Instead, rest your chopsticks on the chopstick rest (hashioki) provided, or lay them horizontally across your bowl.
-
Passing Food Chopstick to Chopstick: Similar to the previous point, this is also a funeral custom where cremated remains are passed between family members. Avoid doing this at the table. Instead, place the food onto the other person's plate using your chopsticks.
-
Resting Chopsticks Across a Bowl: While not as taboo as sticking them upright, resting chopsticks across a bowl is generally avoided as it suggests that you are finished eating, even if you aren't.
-
Dragging Dishes: Avoid dragging dishes across the table towards you. This can make noise and is considered impolite. Instead, lift the dish slightly to move it.
-
Pouring Your Own Drink: In many social settings, especially when dining with colleagues or superiors, it's customary to pour drinks for others and allow them to pour for you. Keep an eye on your companions' glasses and offer to refill them when they are low.
-
Wasting Food: While finishing every grain of rice is not strictly enforced, wasting food is generally discouraged. Take only what you can eat and try to finish your meal.
Cultural Context:
Understanding the emphasis on harmony, respect, and cleanliness within Japanese culture provides a foundation for understanding the nuances of dining etiquette. Many "bad" table manners are considered so because they disrupt the dining experience for others or are associated with negative connotations.
