This delightful made-in-Japan video movie (8min, 10sec) teaches you the traditional ways of enjoying sushi. How to Enjoy Sushi by Japan Culture Lab covers everything you need to know about enjoying sushi the Japanese way. Sushi is the snack most commonly associated with Japan. A shop that sells sushi is a "sushi-ya". Most Japanese eat at one every day. This is the entrance to a sushi-ya. To pass through the short curtain called a "noren" from the lower left corner of the third partition, find the spot 3.2 inches up at an angle of 48 degrees, place your hand like this, and peel open.
If you arrive less than 30 minutes before closing, ask "Are you still open?" On entering the premises. Inside: "2 people." This is the number in your group. In a group of 3 say, "3 people..." In a group of 4 say, "4 people..." However in the case of 1, you should always show a little guilt in your eyes.
One of the charms of sushi-ya is sitting at the counter. But this should not be undertaken lightly. In Japan, a country of courtesy and tradition you must ask the customer sitting nearest "Is here OK?" This is to confirm the seat is empty. Asking other customers rather than the staff shows the Japanese emphasis on manners and obligation.
