JAPAN
Takahiro shows how to hold chopsticks.

(Photo by Takahiro Takiguchi/Stripes Japan)

You may have difficulty using them, but before giving up and asking for knife and fork, take a look at this video and practice. As they say, “practice makes perfect,” I’m sure you will get used to the chopsticks and use them elegantly, sooner than you would expect!

Please remember: Whenever you pick up a set of chopsticks to move, be sure to use both hands, because that will make you look elegantly and sophisticated.

The way of hold chopsticks - step by step

  1. Hold one of the chopsticks about one-third from the top with your thumb, middle and ring fingers.

  2. Then, put another stick on the middle finger and grip it with thumb and index fingers.

  3. Be sure to bend only the upper stick up and down to make the ends of two chopsticks meet.

To hone your chopsticks skills, why not trying picking up beans, shelled peanuts or rice grains when you’re comfortable with your grip?

Practice enables you to grip, divide, pinch and even scoop foods with your chopsticks. I guarantee!

Enjoy Japanese foods with chopsticks!

Takahiro Takiguchi is a writer based in Yokosuka, Japan. Takiguchi covers travel, food and culture stories for Stars and Stripes Japan. Follow along as Takiguchi takes readers to less crowded destinations around the mainland, you might also catch him out and about recording Speakin’ Japanese lesson videos for Instagram.

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