🍜 Dining and Banquets
Japanese dining etiquette elevates a meal from a simple physiological need to a highly structured ritual performance. Every action follows a specific 'form' (kata), aiming to express multiple layers of respect for the food, the chef, the host, and fellow diners.
Seating and Pre-Meal Preparations
Kamiza (上座): The seat furthest from the entrance, reserved for guests or elders.
Shimoza (下座): The seat closest to the entrance, occupied by the host or junior members, for ease of service.
Waiting to be Seated: Never choose your own seat; wait for the host or server to guide you.
Oshibori (おしぼり): Wet towel, only for wiping hands; fold neatly after use and place back.
Waiting to Start: Wait for everyone's meal to arrive, and for the eldest person to signal before starting together.
Itadakimasu (いただきます): Before eating, put hands together and say 'itadakimasu' to express gratitude for the food.
Informing Before Starting: If your meal arrives first, you can politely say 'osaki ni douzo' (お先にどうぞ - please go ahead).
Only Iced Water: Restaurants typically serve iced water; ask specifically if you need hot water.
Removing Shoes: Must remove shoes before entering tatami rooms.
Sharing Dishes: In izakayas and similar places, it's common to order several dishes to share, reflecting collectivism.