Chopsticks (hashi)

Like the Western fork and spoon, chopsticks or "hashi" (meaning 'bridge') are an important utensil in Japanese (and all Asia) eating and cooking. Japanese chopsticks are rounded and tapered at the point while Chinese chopsticks are squared off and blunt. We see chopsticks everywhere, mainly disposable ones at restaurants and convenience stores but also at shops that solely sell chopsticks and chopstick holders. Chopsticks range in price and quality with some going for more than a hundred dollars each. The wood and ornamentation vary, with each set having a different personality, from playful ones that look like color pencils with bright primary colors to elegantly carved ones from rare wood to modern ones with sparkles and a black glossy finish. Chopstick etiquette is very important; here are some rules for correct chopstick usage.

And if you can't remember anything else... it's ok to use your fingers to eat sushi rolls!