November 18, 2009
How to Mind Your Table Manners in Tokyo
So you’re on a business trip in Japan and the time has come for that important client dinner. Before you charm your clients with your sparkling personality, here are a few do’s and don’ts that will help win them over.
1. Punctuality is gold. Make sure to arrive a little early to your dinner engagement
2. Wait to be seated. Seating may be prearranged for the dinner, so wait to be seated. It is good to note that any guest of honor will be placed at the center of the table furthest away from the door (word to the wise: don’t to sit there… unless you’re the guest of honor).
3. Practice your Japanese. No, you don’t have to be fluent to express your thanks for a meal, but a few phrases won’t hurt. Start the meal by saying “Itadaki-masu”, which is the equivalent of “good appetite” or “ready to eat, thank you” and end the meal with “Gochisou-sama”.
4. Chopsticks are your friends. Impress your clients by showing that you’ve taken the time to learn how to use chopsticks properly (that means no stabbing your food). For assistance in this effort, consult this helpful video.
5. Wait to eat. Allow the guest of honor to start eating first, then you’re free to enjoy your meal.
6. Enjoy your meal. Often times the Japanese will not engage in lengthy conversation at the dinner table. Take the time to enjoy the savory cuisine, and engage in conversation once everyone has had a chance to eat.
7. Slurp to your heart’s content. Slurping is a very common practice while drinking soup or noodles, so join in on the custom.
8. Separate but equal. Americans are accustomed to mixing food together, but in Japan it is customary to keep each food serving separate.
9. I can’t eat/drink anymore. If you’re done with your beverage, leave your glass partly full. If your glass is empty, it will continue to be filled. The opposite is true for rice. If you want no more rice, make sure to eat every last grain.
10. Do not tip. While it is not considered rude, tipping is not a common practice and is therefore unnecessary after a meal.
Photo/Video credit: Sushi, star5112; How to Use Chopsticks, Howcast
Spread the word: