"The culture of Japanese chopsticks"

The culture of utensils used during the meal in the world can be categorized to three styles.
Some nations use a knife, spoon and fork at the table, others may use their own hands to eat, and lastly there is a group who use chopsticks. Like countries China, Korea, and Vietnam, whose main staple is rice, Japan's epicurean culture is also based on chopsticks. What makes Japanese culture distinct from other countries, however, is that Japan is the only country that uses chopsticks as the sole tool for eating, while other country uses spoon in combination with chopsticks.

The first use of chopsticks as eating utensils in Japan dates back to the end of Yayoi period (BC-300). At that time, chopstick was not a pair of two separated sticks as in today's style, but was like a tweezers made of bamboo, and it was thought that the chopsticks were only allowed to be used by the Emperor and in religious services. Ordinary folks still used hands to have meals during this period.
In the beginning of 7th century, an event led to a widespread adoption of chopsticks in Japan. On the occasion when the country welcomed a Chinese ambassador, Japanese administration prepared chopsticks in a fluster in order to accommodate the ambassador in style, knowing that the custom of using chopsticks already exists in China and is widely used. This was the beginning of using chopsticks as the main tool of dining in Japan. In the Nara era (710-759), chopstick was used among the aristocracy and then spread to common folks. The material of chopsticks was mostly bamboo but some were also made out of wood. During the Edo era (1603-1867), many domain fiefs concentrated on developing lacquered ware as a local industry and thus lacquered chopsticks were developed. Possession of lacquered chopsticks was considered as a status symbol for the rich tradesmen. After that, with development of chemical paint and food culture, various style of colorful chopsticks have been manufactured.

Much like a table manner of western cuisine using fork and knife, there are some manners considered a taboo with chopsticks. Some well-known taboos in Japan are:
(1)"Mayoi-bashi": To fumble with chopsticks in air while choosing the food
(2)"Saguri-bashi": To grope ingredients in the soup with chopsticks.
(3)"Sashi-bashi": To eat like using a knife, sticking chopsticks into foods.

From the Meiji period (1868-1911) to the beginning of Showa period (1926-1988), the correct manner of using chopsticks has become an important part of home discipline. Thus, those born during this time or those who have parents born during this period were trained strictly in the way of using chopsticks during their childhood, and most of them use chopsticks correctly. However, with diversified food culture and progress of shift toward nuclear family, the numbers of people who cannot properly hold chopsticks are on the increase. Despite it's simplicity, a Japanese chopstick is an all-purpose tool, capable of picking up, nipping, mixing, flaking, cutting, rolling up, just to mention a few. Besides, a pronounced dexterity, delicacy and sensibility are required as a matter of course to go through these complex motions. Using chopstick is an integral part of Japanese epicurean culture, and compliments the unique meals of Japan. (End)