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.
Eat it all in one bite.
If you can't fit the whole thing in your mouth, that's okay, two bites will suffice. But, don't put the sushi down in -between bites. Once you pick it up, keep the unbitten piece on your chopsticks.
You'll be given chopsticks with your meal, but if you're not comfortable using them, it's fine to ask for a fork. That said, don't be afraid to try: it will show your guest that you're a good sport. It's also perfectly acceptable to eat sushi with your fingers, but sashimi should be enjoyed with chopsticks or a fork.
Most sushi bars provide each customer with a damp cloth, and wiping your fingers between each type of nigiri should be sufficient to keep the flavors separate. The etiquette for eating sashimi is a bit different. Sashimi, slices of raw fish without rice, should always be eaten with chopsticks.
Sushi Etiquette in Japan
Try to eat the fish in the order the chef recommends or as they are placed on your plate. Sushi isn't meant to be a long, drawn out meal. The fish is meant to be eaten usually within 45 seconds or less, to preserve its perfect temperature. You can eat nigiri with your fingers!
Sushi chefs discourage the mixing as creating the concoction taints the soy sauce and ruins both the spiciness and aroma of wasabi. The proper way to enjoy sushi is to apply wasabi onto the fish element of sushi and dip pieces of sushi fish side down into soy sauce to not over-saturate the morsel.
For the unversed, Mr. West was taking part in a Japanese practice called Nyotaimori, which is when sashimi or sushi is served from the naked body of a woman.
If you don't like fish but still want to eat sushi, there are a number of veggie-based options available. Avocado rolls are a popular choice. Avocado rolls are served as chunks of ripe avocado rolled in a layer of sushi rice and covered in seaweed.
Upon entering a restaurant, customers are greeted with the expression "irasshaimase" meaning "welcome, please come in". The waiter or waitress will ask you how many people are in your party and then lead you to your table. Only in rare cases are customers expected to seat themselves.
When eating from shared dishes (as it is commonly done at some restaurants such as izakaya), it is polite to use the opposite end of your chopsticks or dedicated serving chopsticks for moving food to your own dish. Blowing your nose at the table, burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in Japan.
When eating sushi, it is considered polite to eat it in one bite. If you cannot fit the entire piece in your mouth, it is acceptable to take a small bite and then put the remainder back on your plate. It is also important to not make too much noise when you are eating.
"Irasshaimase!" the chefs are all yelling in unison the moment you enter their restaurant. It's a surprise the first time it happens but get used to it, it's standard practice throughout Japan.
Sushi. Sushi may be delicious, but it hardly qualifies as a cheat meal. It is largely healthy — sushi is primarily made of high-protein, lean fish and wrapped in rice and veggies.
By Megan Schaltegger Published: Jun 14, 2023. Lisa Maree Williams//Getty Images. Kanye West's controversial 46th birthday included a Japanese practice called Nyotaimori, which basically just means serving sushi and sashimi off of a naked woman's body.
It is perfectly acceptable etiquette to request sushi without wasabi or with a reduced amount of wasabi. The ginger is there to refresh your palette after eating a fatty topping. If you eat too much of it, it will affect the flavor of the sushi.
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."
The majority of Japanese except children don't carry their own chopsticks, however, you are allowed to use your own as long as you are comfortable. Anywhere in the world, one might feel strange to bring their own cutlery… It's best to ask restaurant staff before you start using your own though.
Ramen is a casual food, so you can eat it any way you like. If you're not used to slurping noodles or don't like hot food, it's recommended to use a spoon when eating ramen. If you aren't used to using chopsticks, you can of course request a fork from the waitress.
Always finish your meal!
The Japanese consider it rude to leave food on your plate, and even more so to order more food when you haven't finished everything you've already got.
Sometimes, this rule is conflated with a Japanese one that has to do with slurping. At restaurants in Japan, it's considered proper to slurp noodles while eating. However, it is not polite in Japan to burp, nor is it polite in China to slurp.