～From Table Manners to Delicious Foods to Enjoy in Autumn～

When you live in Japan, you can experience Japanese culture through everyday meals. Japan has not only its own table manners, but also a food culture that celebrates each season.

Here are five things about Japanese food culture that we would like foreign residents to know!

① Saying “Itadakimasu” and “Gochisosama”

In Japan, people often say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisosama” after finishing a meal. These words show appreciation to the people who prepared the food and to the ingredients.

② Holding Your Rice Bowl While Eating

In Japan, it is common to hold your rice bowl when eating rice. Small bowls are also often held in your hand while eating.

Table manners are different from country to country. Watching how people around you eat can also be a good way to learn about Japanese culture.

③ Making Sounds When Eating Noodles

Japan has many noodle dishes, such as ramen, soba, and udon.

In Japan, it is common to make some sounds when eating noodles. In some countries, making sounds while eating is considered bad manners, so this may be surprising to some international students.

④ There Are Many Table Manners for Chopsticks

Chopsticks are an important part of Japanese food culture. There are some things you should avoid doing with chopsticks.

For example, you should not point at people with your chopsticks, pass food from chopsticks to chopsticks, or stand your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice.

Chopstick manners are another way to learn about Japanese culture and traditions.

⑤ Enjoying the Flavors of Autumn

As August comes to an end, autumn is just around the corner. In Japan, autumn brings many delicious foods, such as sweet potatoes, chestnuts, mushrooms, saury, pears, and grapes.

Autumn is sometimes called “the season of appetite” in Japan because there are so many delicious foods to enjoy. In autumn, you can also find more sweet potato- and chestnut-flavored foods at supermarkets and convenience stores.

why not enjoy some delicious Japanese seasonal foods? 🍠🌰🍇

🌸 Enjoy Japanese Food Culture!

Japanese food culture is not only about table manners. It also includes appreciating food and enjoying seasonal ingredients.

If you plan to live in Japan in the future, try to discover different aspects of Japan through your everyday meals!

What Japanese food do you like?