The Japanese culture depends greatly on harmony in order to operate and provide its citizens with a daily flow that is uninterrupted by rudeness and even dissent. Eating sushi is no different to the Japanese and there is certain etiquette to be followed when doing so. This article will focus on that etiquette in order for those interested to use their sushi sets in the most traditional way possible. This will not only impress your guests, but also make for a much more pleasant dining experience.
In Japan, politeness is of the utmost importance. If you are the guest at a sushi bar or a home serving sushi, be sure to thank the chef or “itamae”. You might try to use some traditional Japanese while doing so, for instance, “domo arigato” or “thank you”. Of course, if you are the host, then it is proper to provide your guests with traditional ware for dining on the sushi. A sushi set can be purchased from many online retailers as well as a local bed and bath store.
As a diner or guest where sushi is being served, it is important never to rub your chopsticks together as they should always be placed on the shoyu dish, especially when you are finished. Do not put the wasabi directly in the shoyu dish as the chef or itamae will always place what they feel is the proper amount to balance the sushi under the fish. Of course, if you are preparing the sushi for close friends that are not of the Japanese culture, you may let them decide how much wasabi to place on their own sushi.
A little etiquette goes a long way in the culture in Japan and most of those traditions carry over to the North American Japanese culture. Try to be as traditional as possible if you are making sushi and entertaining guests. This makes for a more enjoyable experience and allows you and your guests to learn something new about a different culture.
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