How to hold chopsticks

In Japan, maintaining proper etiquette extends even to the basic necessity of eating. Here, you can learn the most important dos and don'ts when it comes to using chopsticks.

Hold chopsticks correctly

Place a chopstick between your thumb and index finger in your hand. Stabilise it from below with the ring finger.
Hold the second chopstick like a pencil with your thumb, index, and middle fingers in your hand.
Move only the upper chopstick up and down; the lower one remains firmly in the hand. The lower ends of the chopsticks should be at the same height.
Form a V-shape with the chopsticks, tapering downward, and use them to pick up your food. Especially for round and too soft bites, practice is essential.

Not like this, please:

Clutching in a fist: Avoid gripping both chopsticks tightly in your hand and manipulating them in this way.
Crossing over: Be careful not to exert too much pressure with your index and middle fingers, causing the ends of the chopsticks to cross.
Keeping them parallel: Do not place your middle finger between the two chopsticks, so that you can bring them together easily.

How to pick up chopsticks correctly

Begin by picking up the adjacent chopsticks in the middle with your right hand. (Left-handers can simply reverse the instructions.)
Place the left hand underneath for stabilisation. Slide the right hand along the chopsticks towards their thicker ends, letting the hand slide underneath.
Grasp the chopsticks at one-third of their height with the right hand, using both thumbs against the palm.
Position the chopsticks, as described above, between the fingers of the right hand using the left hand. Enjoy your Japanese dining experience.