Learning to eat politely.

I am still learning to follow some of the basic Japanese table manners. It seems there are new ones every day. Last night I learned that you don’t pass food from one pair of chopsticks to another. This is because it is a Japanese funeral ritual. I felt a little embarrassed when the westerner I was asking to help tear two pieces of chicken apart refused. He was polite about it and explained why, but I still felt a little foolish. Here are some basic rules for Japanese eating. Coincidentally found on digg.com today.

I also met someone last night that has only been in Japan a week. It feels good not to be the youngest anymore.