Japanese Chopstick Funeral. [5] Known as kotsuage (骨上げ; or 骨揚げ), [8] this is
[5] Known as kotsuage (骨上げ; or 骨揚げ), [8] this is the only time in Japan when it is proper for two people to hold the same item at the same time with chopsticks. Learn key rules to respect the culture and improve your dining experience in Japan. Nov 28, 2015 · Chopsticks are used throughout East and Southeast Asia to gobble down everything from extravagant meals to simple homemade fare. The Japanese are superstitious about death in this sense, and there are several pieces of chopstick etiquette related to death/funerals. Jul 28, 2016 · A great challenge for foreigners in Japan? Mastering Japanese chopsticks manners! Let's get started with 13 Japanese chopsticks taboos You Should Know About Nov 22, 2009 · Japanese take their chopsticks (ohashi) seriously. This is the same act that Japanese people do during a funeral for picking up the cremated bones of the deceased. The Japanese use them to eat everything from rice and meat, to noodles, salad, and so much more! Japan is famous for their complex code of etiquette, and this includes mealtime. Japanese superstitions are rooted in the culture and history of Japan and the Japanese people. Feb 22, 2017 · In this post I wanted to take another look at Japanese cultural rules. The high cost of the funeral is largely due to the scarcity of burial plots in this densely-populated country. Apr 7, 2021 · Japanese funeral etiquette - A Japanese funeral usually includes a wake. Learn about Japanese chopstick etiquette, the different types used in Japan, and essential customs surrounding their use. Learn where your body goes and how Japanese funeral rituals work. The process – which can be traced to 8th Century AD Japan, is a lengthy Ritual which involves much of the ''Living Family'' of The Deceased. Chopstick etiquette level 3: True chopstick refinement In reality, I see Japanese people doing these things all the time. If you are supplied with hashi-oki (chopstick rests), use them. If you're worried about using chopsticks correctly and maintaining Mar 9, 2018 · I’d inadvertently learned about Japanese funeral customs while in a Chinese restaurant surrounded by mostly Chinese and Chinese-American people. Passing food from chopstick to chopstick is one of the biggest taboos in Japanese dining etiquette. But if you can manage to master these rules, you are a truly refined chopstick user. Because of this, the same motion at the dining table is considered disturbing. Here's a guide to help you master Japanese chopstick etiquette and ensure you Aug 1, 2024 · If you are coming to Japan and want to make sure your chopstick manners are ready, check out our guide on proper Japanese chopstick etiquette. Chopsticks, or hashi (箸), are more than just utensils in Japan—they are a significant part of the dining experience and hold cultural importance. Jan 2, 2024 · In Japan, one of the most basic taboos is to pass food directly from chopstick to chopstick, as it is reminiscent of a funeral ritual. In particular, there are certain do’s and don’ts regarding chopsticks. Do Not Stab Food: Stabbing food with your chopsticks is bad manners. After cremation, close family members gather around the remains and use ceremonial chopsticks to transfer the bones into an urn. To an outsider, the perplexing rituals may seem purposely filled with hurdles, trying to catch you out. Mar 24, 2024 · Learn about the rationale behind chopstick etiquette to avoid grave (pun intended) mistakes in Asian cultures, where improper use is linked to death symbolism. Oct 24, 2024 · Here are two chopstick taboos to avoid before coming to Japan, Read more Senpai stories at Deep Japan. A traditional Japanese funeral consists of a wake, cremation, burial in a family grave and, finally, a memorial service. This guide explains the typical customs and In Japan, cremation is nearly universal, and the kotsuage ritual, or bone-picking, is a central part of the funeral process. First, the family arrives and the coffin is ushered into a room where they say the final goodbyes. I was interested to learn that, much like observant Jews, Japanese Buddhists perform their funerals within 24 hours. A variant is passing the bones from chopsticks to chopsticks. Even with casual meals, the Japanese are much stricter than many other cultures about keeping with food traditions, so it makes sense that these folk beliefs about chopsticks are very prominent for Japanese people. 3 days ago · Passing food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another is another action tied to funeral customs. Do Not Pass Food Chopstick to Chopstick: Passing food from one person’s chopsticks to another’s is another funeral-related gesture. We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Using chopsticks correctly is essential not only to avoid embarrassing situations but also to show respect for Japanese customs. But often times, when we are looking for something new and innovative, we must look to the tradition of the past. Japanese people have strong awareness of personal hygiene. If you're planning to immerse yourself in Japan's rich culture, consider learning the language too! Nov 28, 2023 · Chopsticks are only stuck upright in the rice offering on the altar at a funeral, so remember to never stick your chopsticks upright in your rice, or other food, in Japan. This belief reflects the importance of funeral as an event, an exclusive event. Similar to passing food from chopstick to chopstick, these actions are both associated with funeral rites and death, and indulging in them is said to bring some seriously bad luck. Sep 29, 2025 · In Japan, chopstick faux pas rules are known as "kiraibashi. Apr 8, 2013 · It is common to see it through Japanese movies and cartoons as well. I have never experienced anything quite as profoundly visceral as the Japanese funeral for a loved one. CONTENTS […] Apr 24, 2022 · A part of Japan’s funeral rituals includes passing the bones of the deceased from chopstick to chopstick. Apr 12, 2019 · Passing food chopsticks to chopsticks involves a Japanese culture where people pick up and pass bones by long chopsticks after burning bodies at funeral. Sep 11, 2018 · In Japan, you will be presented with chopsticks in almost every restaurant you go. Nov 17, 2016 · The Cremation Ceremony and Tradition of Japan With cremation ceremonies and non-traditional funeral services on the rise, it is perfectly reasonable to be unsure of the best way to honor the passing of a loved one. Just like the many tableware rules in European dining, there are plenty of hashi-based rules to follow when dining in Japan. China: Chinese chopsticks are generally blunt, and it’s acceptable to ‘spear’ certain types of food, which is a big no in Japan. May 6, 2024 · Explore essential chopstick etiquette in Japan. Why? Because this gesture resembles a funeral ritual calle Chopsticks Chopsticks (箸, hashi) are used to eat most kinds of traditional Japanese dishes with some exceptions. Tatebashi (たて箸) Sticking chopsticks onto rice is supposedly for dead people. The bones are usually collected in the order of feet to head, with the feet at the bottom of the urn. During the Death of Wolverine arc, Logan’s son, Daken, carried out a traditional Shinto funeral for his father. Japanese funeral rites, known as sōgi, are deeply rooted in Buddhist traditions and are notable for their rich symbolism and meticulous attention to detail. Check our guide and master the Chopstick Etiquette Japan. wikipedia. The chopsticks used for ceremonies are tapered on both ends. The use of chopsticks is part of Japanese meal time etiquette, which can be rather elaborate depending on how casual the meal is. It becomes a journey, steeped in ancient Buddhist beliefs and intricate cultural customs. Chopsticks Chopsticks (箸, hashi) are used to eat most kinds of traditional Japanese dishes with some exceptions. These ceremonies encompass several stages, including rituals after death, cremation, burial in a family grave, and subsequent memorial services. Did you know in Japan it is terribly rude to stab your chopsticks into a bowl of rice and then leave them there? Japanese people primarily use chopsticks for their meals. Aug 1, 2016 · Do you know Japanese chopsticks etiquette? Learn 12 things not to do with chopsticks. May 25, 2024 · Funerals are an unfortunate but inevitable part of life, and this holds true in Japan as well. Jul 2, 2014 · In some ways, the Buddhist funeral is only the start of a journey that helps the spirit of the deceased transition from immediate family member to the realm of the ancestors. Dec 31, 2020 · “Hashi watashi” is passing food from one pair of chopsticks to another. By burying the end of chopsticks in food, one is symbolically delivering food to the other side. Through these many examples, it’s clear that chopsticks in Japan carry a significance that belies their simple form. In this post I want to talk about chopstick etiquette in Japan. During this ceremony, family members use chopsticks to pass fragments of the deceased’s bones from one person to another into an urn after cremation. Nov 10, 2024 · Japan: In Japan, it’s common to use pointed chopsticks, which are considered more versatile for different types of food. Oct 30, 2015 · From Mormon funeral potatoes to bread shaped liked bones, here are five food-related death traditions from around the world. Sep 16, 2024 · Learn the essential rules of Japanese chopstick etiquette, the cultural significance behind these practices, and avoid common mistakes. Japanese Buddhists cremate their loved ones differently than Americans typically do. Some of the most important rules to remember when dining with chopsticks are: Hold your chopsticks towards their end, not in the middle or the front third. Mar 12, 2024 · Ready to learn chopstick etiquette in Japan? It may sound strange if you’re not used to using them, but almost everyone in Japan has their own personal pair of chopsticks. Using chopsticks properly not only helps you enjoy Japanese food more deliciously, but also helps people eating together feel more comfortable. An intimidatingly thorough checklist for funeral practices. As with most examples of Cremation Mar 24, 2020 · It's considered bad manners to talk and use your chopsticks for pointing. Vocabulary included! Apr 28, 2025 · The dos and don'ts of eating with chopsticks Whether you're traveling to Japan for vacation or moving abroad long-term, eating with chopsticks is a big part of the culture. 箸 "hashi" chopsticks Many of the… May 1, 2025 · Explore the rituals, customs, and modern changes in Japanese funerals, from Buddhist traditions and cremation to evolving memorial trends. Oct 8, 2025 · From holding chopsticks correctly to avoiding cultural taboos, get a grip on Japanese chopstick etiquette with these 8 essential tips. Mourners approach in order of their relationship to the deceased, [26] and pass bone fragments from one pair of chopsticks to the other. This resembles a funeral ritual and is seen as bad luck. Learn about 'wa' (harmony) and avoid social faux pas in Japanese culture. The Japanese, […] Nov 26, 2012 · Your quick and easy guide to being dead in Japan. Using chopsticks in this way outside of a bone-picking ceremony (kotsuage) is typically taboo. At home, we use reusable chopsticks made By Crusader1307 An unusual and Ancient Japanese Funerary Custom, ''Kotsuage'' (''Bone Picking'') is still practiced by some. Apparently, chopsticks stuck straight-up in rice also imitate incense sticks on the altar at a funeral, another symbol of death or bad luck. May 10, 2012 · The average Japanese funeral can cost between ten and thirty thousand US dollars or more, and that usually does not include the priest’s fees, or the wake. Using chopsticks in Japan comes with its own etiquette - learn more in our article! Jul 18, 2025 · Going to go over everything you need to know about Japanese chopsticks, from how to eat with chopsticks to chopstick etiquette in Japan. Transferring food directly from one pair of chopsticks to another is a serious breach of chopstick etiquette in Japan because it mirrors a funeral rite called kotsuage. 5. Doing such outside of a funeral can remind bystanders of a recent funeral. [1] Some Japanese superstitions are meant to teach lessons or serve as practical advice. May 19, 2025 · Avoid cultural missteps and dine with confidence in Japan. Blending Shinto beliefs, Buddhism, and classical Eastern Philosophy, the Japanese have a beautiful practice of honoring deceased loved ones with a ceremonious cremation practice known as kotsuage, which consists of close family members performing a unique ritual with the cremated remains. They will probably forgive you if you commit some major faux pas. Chopsticks Chopsticks (hachi) are used to eat most kinds of Japanese foods, with some exceptions. If you are dining with Japanese people they will understand that you don't know the rules. Japanese funeral customs and traditions Japanese deat… May 28, 2020 · The chopsticks (pronounced hashi in Japanese) serve as the bridge (also pronounced hashi) between the worlds of the living and the dead. They are held in the dominant hand, secured by fingers, and wielded as extensions of the hand, to pick up food. 🥢 Mastering Japanese chopstick etiquette is not just about following rules; it's about embracing cultural respect and enhancing your dining experience. Jun 3, 2024 · Passing food from chopstick to chopstick is taboo as it has its origins in the Japanese funeral process. Aug 17, 2025 · Avoid a serious cultural mistake! Learn why passing food chopstick-to-chopstick offends Japanese people and discover proper alternatives. Jan 5, 2026 · Japanese funeral traditions explained with clear etiquette: wake (otsuya), funeral (sōshiki), cremation and kotsuage, kōden amounts, incense steps, dress code, and memorial days. In this article, I will introduce in detail how Japanese people use chopsticks and 15 things to absolutely avoid when using chopsticks in Japan. Then, the coffin is placed on a metal or stone slab and wheeled around to the incinerator chambers. According to a survey by the Japan Consumers We would like to show you a description here but the site won’t allow us. Funerals are observed as a way to properly honor the life of the deceased, while providing comfort and closure for those left behind. Jun 5, 2024 · Do Not Stick Chopsticks Upright: Never stick chopsticks upright into a bowl of rice. Aug 25, 2017 · ************* The basic traditional funeral “While the somber and rigid customs of the traditional funeral are quickly being redefined by the changing times, there is still a prevailing, basic funeral format in Japan that one should be familiar with. As a foreigner, it's important to understand the unique customs and etiquette involved in attending a Japanese funeral to properly pay your respects. After cremation, the family uses chopsticks to transfer the bones out of the ash and into an urn. In the past, they were used for sharing food with the gods rather than for people taking meals. [30] Sep 26, 2017 · Yesterday I mentioned that, of the two most common ways to say the number 4 in Japanese, "yon" is typically preferred over "shi" because the latter can mean "death". In the first post in this “Damn” series I looked at removing your shoes when entering a Japanese home. Gain insights into Japanese funeral customs and rituals. Most Japanese funerals are Buddhist ceremonies that involve cremating the deceased. TIL in Japan ~%99 of people are cremated. Let’s take a look at five of the most important chopstick Nov 14, 2022 · A pair of chopsticks may look simple to use, but you can unwittingly commit these taboos if you are not careful. Mar 14, 2009 · We see, in these traditional beliefs, chopsticks acting as a bridge between gods and humans, and accordingly the modern Japanese word for chopsticks, hashi (箸), means “bridge. I also heard it from a tour guide while visiting Japan for the first time. I heard about not sticking chopsticks into rice bowls from people of Chinese descent because of the same reason. Jun 10, 2025 · A Japanese funeral is a deeply meaningful ceremony that honors the life of the deceased and offers prayers for their peaceful rest. Jul 31, 2025 · Don’t Pass or "Cheers" Food Chopstick-to-Chopstick - This is another reference to funeral customs, where bones are passed between family members during cremation ceremonies. Some of the most important rules to remember when dining with chopsticks are as follows: Hold your chopsticks towards their end, not in the middle or the front third. ” Chopsticks are also important in traditional Japanese funeral rites, in the ritual treatment of the cremated remains. . A series of memorial rites follow days, weeks and even years after the cremation and funeral to assist in this transition. Step beyond the veil of black kimono and incense smoke, Oct 15, 2025 · Because of this practice, Japanese people are deeply conscious of how chopsticks are handled in pairs and why passing anything from chopstick to chopstick is laden with cultural weight. It's customary to say "Itadakimasu" (a phrase to show gratitude for the food) before starting a meal and then pick up the chopsticks. Perfect for travelers, food enthusiasts, and those wanting to show respect to Japanese customs. Dine with cultural awareness Jun 26, 2024 · The Japanese word for chopsticks is “hashi”, which is a homophone with the Japanese word meaning “bridge”. Jan 22, 2009 · This is considered to be somewhat ruder than pointing with ones fingers. Jun 27, 2024 · Explore Japanese chopstick etiquette, from godly tools to death-bringing taboos. Avoid common mistakes. Even if you are used to eating with chopsticks in your own home, the required etiquette and manners to follow in Japan are likely different than you are used to. Like most countries around the world, Japan has their own cultural table manners and chopsticks come with their own etiquette. Feb 4, 2021 · Chopsticks are, inarguably, the single most important eating utensils in Japan. Jun 28, 2019 · How to pick bones at a Japanese funeral in Japan. Sep 13, 2021 · In Japanese, chopsticks are called hashi. Don't pass food with your chopsticks This is another Japanese funeral custom in which you pass cremated bones from chopstick to chopstick into the urn as a part of the Buddhist funeral ritual. Mar 15, 2025 · – Chopstick Etiquette: Passing objects directly from one person’s chopsticks to another’s is avoided, as it resembles the bone-picking ceremony, which is exclusive to funerals. Jul 9, 2021 · It reminds people of this funeral tradition so please never pass food with chopsticks in Japan! After the cremation ceremony, the bones are taken to a remaining family members home and kept there until the bone placing ceremony. See how funerals and cemeteries work in Japan, with Buddhist rituals, cremation, memorials, and cultural differences in wakes. I remember I saw it my childhood-favorite movie Gyounshi! Well, yeah, they are dead, so it makes sense. When the deceased is cremated, their bones are passed from chopstick to chopstick, in a solemn ceremony. Discover the essential chopstick dos and don’ts every traveler should know—practical, respectful, and easy to follow. If you’re planning on visiting or working in Japan, you’ll probably need to use chopsticks at some point. The guests are seated, with the next of kin closest to the front Mastering chopsticks is an essential part of enjoying Japanese culture. [27] The chopsticks are longer than those used for eating, and one is wooden and the other bamboo. Whether traveling to or living in Japan, the majority of your meals will be eaten using chopsticks. Chopsticks are shaped pairs of equal-length sticks that have been used as kitchen and eating utensils in most countries of the Sinosphere for over three millennia. Japanese funerals are a special and important part of Japanese culture. The Japanese funeral incorporates a subtle blend of religion, tradition, ritual and geography. Learn how to use chopsticks in Japan, covering cultural significance, etiquette, and tips for handling various foods while avoiding common mistakes. Jan 12, 2026 · Kotsuage explains Japan’s bone-picking ceremony after cremation—and how urns, keepsakes, jewelry, and planning help families honor ashes. In recent times, Japan has seen shifts in traditional funeral practices due to urbanization and changing societal structures. Aug 18, 2021 · In this video, I am showing how to use chopsticks properly, several Japanese table manners including eight taboos when using chopsticks. 6 days ago · Japanese social etiquette with practical tips on bowing, dining manners, chopstick rules, onsen customs, and business protocols. This is the ONLY time is acceptable to pass anything from chopsticks to chopsticks. In fact, chopsticks do act as a bridge in different occasions and rituals. The most important va Jul 5, 2015 · Japanese society accommodates a wide variety of faiths. The utensils are an integral aspect of dining in Japan, with a Mar 7, 2023 · Learn how to use chopsticks properly in Japan and avoid common etiquette mistakes. From dressing to etiquette here is everything you need to know about Japanese funerals. Mar 28, 2011 · A great English overview in The Japan Times. After cremation, family members use chopsticks to pass bone fragments into an urn. Therefore, imitating the same action when sharing food brings an unsavory reminder for the Japanese. From chopsticks to flower crowns—Japanese funeral traditions that made my grandfather’s departure beautiful. Oct 4, 2023 · Chopsticks are an extremely important tool in Japanese culinary culture. May 3, 2017 · Additionally, the Japanese tradition dictates that funeral guests, such as friends or coworkers of the deceased, should visit the wake and bring a monetary gift, enclosed in a special funeral envelope (which can even be purchased at convenience stores). Oct 10, 2025 · This is the origin of the Japanese chopstick etiquette of not passing food between chopsticks while eating, since it resembles this funeral custom. It would be useful to know these manners so when you visit Japan or have dinner with your Japanese business partners you Jun 28, 2022 · An overview of chopsticks gaffes that are best avoided when eating in Japan. Two Japanese films dealing with funerals in different ways: The melodramatic “Departures” and the early ’80s comedy “The Funeral,” which examines the difficulty of planning a Japanese funeral. Sep 12, 2020 · Chopsticks are just things you eat with, right? Wrong. Learn how Japan’s unique cremation rituals—Kotsuage and Bunkotsu—reflect deep respect for the dead and centuries of spiritual and cultural tradition. However, in Japanese culture, sticking chopsticks vertically into rice should only be done only during funeral rituals, and therefore, something to be avoided during regular mealtimes. Of course, we use forks when eating spaghetti and hands for hamburgers. Nov 25, 2021 · Japanese funerals are some of the most elaborate, so it seemed appropriate that Wolverine’s death would be honoured through a culture that shaped his life. Avoid embarrassing yourself at the Japanese dinner table! Critique: Passing food from chopstick to chopstick is taboo in Japan, because not only does it reenact the funeral ritual, but more because it is bad dining etiquette. When a loved one passes, however, the majority of Japanese choose to hold a Buddhist funeral. " Avoid a breach of etiquette by learning about one specific taboo and the grim reason behind it. Instead, it is recommended to put food on each other’s plates. org comments Best Add a Comment Feb 18, 2016 · Interestingly, Japan also has one of the world’s highest funeral costs. When someone dies, there is an o-tsuya (wake), followed by a kokubetsu-shiki (funeral). Oftentimes people avoid mixing their foodways with death imagery, compounded by the prevalence of rice in Japanese meals. As is custom, Cremation was the preferred method of ''Entering Eternity'' in Medieval Japan. Jan 5, 2026 · Here's all you need to know about funeral traditions in Japan the Japanese culture of death and dying and what they do during this time! Death, in Japan, transcends finality. Discover the meanings behind the practices and how to show respect. While funeral practices in Japan can vary depending on religious traditions, many modern services place more emphasis on remembering the individual, with some choosing to set aside religious elements altogether. Originating in China, chopsticks later spread to other parts of the Sinosphere such as Korea, Japan and Vietnam Oct 10, 2025 · Nearly all Japanese funerals (Ososhiki) regardless of religion are conducted Buddhist-style. Let’s learn about this special cremation tradition found in Japan.