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Chopsticks may just be simple pieces of wood used for picking food, but using them wrongly while dining might put you into a memorable faux pas encounter.

But the rules in using chopsticks are not as complicated as the table set-up in fine dining. Here are the easy-to-remember tips in using chopsticks before continuing to your food exploration in Japan!

1. Before eating, say "Itadakimasu!" The magic word has an equal meaning to "Let's eat," "Bon appetit," or "thanks for the food". It is also compared to as uttering words of grace before a meal. The other use of saying "itadakimasu" is when you receive a gift, as it means "I humbly receive." Say it with clasped hands and a slight bow.

2. Leave nothing on your plate. Be sincere with "itadakimasu". It is considered disrespectful if you don't finish your food.

3. Hold your chopsticks properly because you may not hold the food. If you can't, you can go back to spoon, fork and knife.

4. Don't make your chopsticks stand upright in a cupful of rice. It doesn't look appealing to place your chopstick upright in a bowl or even in a resting position. Instead do #5.

5. Do use a chopstick holder. That piece of wood at the end of your disposable chopstick has a purpose. It is actually the chopstick holder. Some restaurants provide porcelain or wooden holders. However, if you don't have one, use your origami skills to turn the chopsticks wrapper into a chopsticks holder!

6. Don't lick the chopstick. Looks disgusting, eh?

7. Don't share food from chopstick to another chopstick. Instead, put them on the plate.

8. After eating, always put chopsticks in parallel position. Don't put them on cross or diagonally. It's neat to see them in parallel position.

9. Chopsticks are not shovels. Don't use your chopstick to dig your food to find something better. Eat what's on top. Also, never stir your soup with chopsticks.

10. Chopsticks are for food, not toys. Don't point people using them. Don't also hold it for a long time without eating. When you are eating while listening to music, don't use them as drumsticks. And, don't rub your chopsticks because that means you think chopsticks are cheap.

Now, you are ready to use chopsticks! Just remember to practice using chopsticks at home (pick small seeds)! When you are using chopsticks, instead of spearing your food, eat artfully and use the wooden utensil to find connection between you and the food you are eating. See the difference!

Photo by I, Hiaeoupyc. Licensed under Creative Commons. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en)