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Traveling to Japan provides the opportunity to try new foods and enjoy a unique cultural experience. Although using chopsticks is not a requirement, it is helpful because it offers the chance to try foods at unique venues.
Identify the Problem
Traveling to Japan does not mean that chopsticks are a requirement, but some restaurants may not have forks and knives available. When chopsticks are a problem, the first step of learning to use them is identifying the problem.
If arthritis is the primary concern, then using a shorter set of chopsticks might help because the shorter set will provide greater control and fewer complications. Short chopsticks are designed for the small hands of children, which do not yet have the fine muscle control required to hold the chopsticks properly.
By using a shorter chopstick, it is easier to control the movements and pincer the food so that it is easier to hold.
If the problem is simple skill, then practicing the use of chopsticks before traveling to Japan will help. Practice is ultimately the best way to become skilled at the use of any utensil.
Basic Form for Holding Chopsticks
The proper method of holding chopsticks will make it easier to learn the muscle control that is necessary for eating. Place one chopstick so that it rests on the ring finger of the primary hand and the other side rests between the thumb and pointer finger. This chopstick will not move.
Hold the other chopstick like a pencil in the same hand so that the thumb and pointer finger are controlling it. Move the top chopstick up and down with the pointer finger and thumb.
This pincer-like movement is the basic method of using chopsticks. Picking up foods will take practice, but it is possible.
If it is hard to hold the chopsticks properly, then rest the bottom chopstick on the middle finger so that the movement is not as large. It provides better control.
You’ll want to hold the chopsticks close to the top, as it is considered rude to hold too close to the food and bottom of chopsticks. When you’re finished using the chopsticks, set them across the plate parallel to each other. Crossing your chopsticks like an “x” is also considered impolite. Practice is the ultimate method of learning to use chopsticks. Although many restaurants will have forks, knives and spoons available after asking, chopsticks are the main type of utensil used in Japan.