Chopsticks are an indispensable item for us Japanese. I am sure that those of you reading this article have had the experience of using chopsticks at Japanese restaurants, sushi restaurants, and ramen shops.
It is not known exactly when chopsticks were first used in Japan. Chopsticks are said to have been introduced from China during the Asuka and Nara periods, and the culture of using chopsticks for meals spread during the Heian period.
Among the countries with a chopstick culture, which account for 30% of the world's population, Japan is said to be the only country where eating etiquette has been established using only chopsticks.
In Japanese etiquette, you drink the soup by touching the bowl directly and eat the ingredients using chopsticks, but Japan is the only country where there is a style of touching the bowl directly. Also, having your own chopsticks is a unique characteristic of Japan, and Japan has a culture of being particular about chopsticks.
■How to choose them
When choosing chopsticks, consider length, thickness, shape, weight, and material. They are available with or without lacquer coating, but this time we will briefly introduce the length and material. Regarding length, in Japan, the length of chopsticks that fits a person's hand is said to be about 1.5 times the length of the thumb and forefinger at a right angle.
■Materials for chopsticks
Chopsticks have very different characteristics depending on the material they are made of.
- Wooden chopsticks not only have different textures but also different patterns and scents depending on the type of wood. The main advantage of wooden chopsticks is that they are non-slip and easy to use. However, wooden chopsticks cannot be put in the dishwasher because they are sensitive to heat.
- Bamboo chopsticks are very lightweight. Bamboo is flexible, so it won't break like wood. There is no better balance between lightness and durability. However, bamboo chopsticks are difficult to dry and are sensitive to heat, so they cannot be put in the dishwasher.
- Plastic chopsticks are very popular because they are light, easy to handle, and affordable. However, plastic is easily scratched, and when it gets scratched with something like chopsticks, the uneven parts tend to collect dirt, which is unhygienic. In addition, plastic products are not environmentally friendly, as they are difficult to decompose and cannot be absorbed by nature.
- The advantage of metal chopsticks is their high durability. They will not break or bend unless something happens to them. However, depending on the type of metal, you may be allergic to it, and it tends to be heavy.
The usability of chopsticks varies not only by material, but also by shape and thickness, so please try to find the one that suits you and is easy to use. Using chopsticks that fit comfortably in your hand will make your daily meals more enjoyable!
