Sushi Dojo

Etiquette

What to say

In Japan, before starting to eat you say “itadakimasu” (“I gratefully receive”): Ee Tah Dah Key Muss

After finishing, you say “gochisosama (deshita)” (“Thank you for the meal”): Go Chee So Sah Mah (Desh Ee Tah)

Individual vs Shared Dishes

Pour some soya sauce into a the small plate provided. It is considered bad manner to waste soya sauce, so try not to pour more sauce into your plate than you are actually going to be using.

Table Rules

When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is a Japanese custom to serve each other, rather than pouring the beverage into one's own glass. You are supposed to periodically check your friends' cups, and serve them more once their cups are getting empty. Likewise, if someone wants to serve you more alcohol, you should quickly empty your glass and hold it towards that person. Do not start drinking until everybody at the table is served and the glasses are raised for a drinking salute, which usually is "kampai".

Rice & Noodles

Hold the rice or noodle bowl in one hand while using chopsticks with the other, and lift it towards your mouth while eating. One should not pour soya sauce over white, cooked rice.

Sushi

Pour some soya sauce into a the small plate provided. It is considered bad manner to waste soya sauce, so try not to pour more sauce into your plate than you are actually going to be using.

Drinking Rules

When drinking alcoholic beverages, it is a Japanese custom to serve each other, rather than pouring the beverage into one's own glass. You are supposed to periodically check your friends' cups, and serve them more once their cups are getting empty. Likewise, if someone wants to serve you more alcohol, you should quickly empty your glass and hold it towards that person. Do not start drinking until everybody at the table is served and the glasses are raised for a drinking salute, which usually is "kampai".