Some Americans are surprised to learn that sushi is traditionally a finger food, eaten with one's hands. Chopsticks aren't necessary when eating maki rolls or nigiri (raw fish atop rice). However, sashimi—sliced raw fish—is eaten with chopsticks.
Most Japanese people eat sushi with their hands. Especially with nigiri sushi (single pieces of sushi with meat or fish on top of rice), it's totally acceptable. Miho: “Really, you can eat all sushi with your hands.
First, Nozawa says, "Don't rub your chopsticks together after you split them apart, that is seen as inconsiderate." He continues with a surprising note that, "eating with your chopsticks is preferred, but eating with your hands is also acceptable. If you need a fork, it's ok, just ask for one."
Some people don't like the smell of raw fish on their hands, so you will be forgiven for using chopsticks. Yet, using chopsticks can damage the taste and texture of the sushi. Chopsticks are there when you are about to eat sushi, in order to pick up sashimi and ginger.
The sushi should be gently dipped in soy sauce, preferably with the fish being the portion covered with the soy sauce rather than the rice. Dipping the fish enhances the flavor of the fish more directly, and prevents the ball of rice from soaking up too much soy sauce and disintegrating.
Holding hands is okay. In smaller towns, you might get a dirty look if you're walking with an arm around your partner. Try to avoid snuggling up on a public bench, in queues or at restaurants. And don't stare lovingly into each other's eyes when others are around.
Eat the sushi. Smaller pieces like nigiri and sashimi should be eaten in one bite, but larger American-style rolls may need to be eaten in two or more bites. Chew the sushi completely, allowing the flavor to coat the inside of your mouth. If you're drinking sake along with your sushi, now is a good time to take a sip.
There are certain customs of eating sushi that are not very well-known, even to people living in Japan. Sushi is eaten in two ways: with chopsticks, or by hand. In the 19th century, sushi is was considered a fast food-like dish, so it was consumed as finger food. Using chopsticks is more common now, however.
Traditionally, sushi is eaten with chopsticks. Believe it or not, these are optional and not a requirement for the table. No one will be offended if you forgo the eating utensil known as “little quick ones.”
Those fingertips will know the exact minute when the fish has been aged or cured to perfection—no more and no less. Kawahiki (removing the skin), oroshi (filleting), honenuki (removing the bones), sujime (marinating in vinegar). Each laborious step of preparation is a testament to a chef's precision and attention.
Salmon, tuna and mackerel are the most popular fish used in sushi, and each contains plenty of omega-3 fatty acids − essential nutrients "that not only support heart health but also brain health," says Karen Collins, MS, a registered dietitian and nutrition adviser to the American Institute for Cancer Research.
Mixing wasabi with soy sauce is known as wasabi joyu, an amalgamation of the words wasabi and shoyu the Japanese word for soy sauce. According to Sushi Sasaya Korin, wasabi joyu is a violation of etiquette not only when it comes to sushi but all Japanese food in general as the two should always be enjoyed separately.
It is a familiar sight to see most Japanese people use their hands to eat sushi in high end restaurants. Yet, in low to mid-range restaurants, there is no official eating etiquette, so people are free to choose to either use chopsticks or their fingers to enjoy sushi.
One potential drawback of constant sushi consumption is the amount of mercury some fish can contain. Fish that are popular in sushi like tuna, mackerel, yellowtail, and sea bass contain significant levels of mercury, which can cause brain problems if ingested in high amounts (via The Oracle).
Finish What You Order
When dining omakase, finishing everything that's put in front of you is essential for good sushi etiquette; it's considered extremely rude, not to mention wasteful, to leave any of the pieces uneaten.
Sashimi (slices of raw fish) is typically eaten with chopsticks, but the traditional way to eat sushi (items served on rice) is by lifting a piece between your thumb and middle finger.
1. Nigiri Sushi. Nigiri sushi (hand-pressed) is the most common type of sushi in Japan and is shaped by the chef's own hands to give it a unique shape. It comprises of a bed of vinegared rice compressed into an oval shape, molded by hand, and topped with neta (fish).
Sushi is meant to be enjoyed in one bite. It is seen as a work of art, crafted by the chef, and biting into a sushi piece is considered rude. If the sushi is too big, or you're feeling self-conscious, you can request the chef make smaller pieces and they can adjust the portions.
According to a registered dietician, healthy adults can safely consume 2-3 sushi rolls, which means 10-15 pieces of sushi per week. However, the statistics are different for the elderly, pregnant women and others with the compromised digestive system.
Using your hands: You may flip the sushi piece 90 degrees to its side, grab the piece with your fingers, and lightly dip the fish side into soy sauce. Or you may gently grab the sides of the sushi without rotating it first and flip it over when dipping the fish side into the soy sauce.
PDA or public displays of affection might be common in your country but in Japan most couples will avoid kissing or hugging in public. Holding hands is popular, though. Even when first meeting up with a girlfriend or boyfriend or saying goodbye at the end of the night, Japanese people rarely hug or kiss.
Fortunately, your smile is unlikely to be considered rude or offensive, but it might cause misunderstanding since it is not a part of Japanese culture.
Never hugging or kissing
In Japan, touching another person's body is considered rude, even with friends or family. Hugging and kissing are mostly for couples.