How to Use Japanese Chopsticks

Many Asian themed restaurants give you the options of using chopsticks as a dining utensil, but many of us don't know how to use them. In this instructable, I will show use step by step how to hold and use chopsticks. Warning though, it will take time and patience to become proficient in using chopsticks and not everyone will master it at the same rate.

Supplies

-Chopsticks

-Patience

Step 1: Step 1: the First Chopstick

I put one of the chopsticks in my dominant hand in the webbing between the thumb and forefinger so that about an inch sticks out past my hand. The other end should rest on my ring finger. I also keep both my middle finger and forefinger somewhat curled. This helps the bottom chopstick become more stabilized so the other can move more freely.

Step 2: Step 2: Stabilizing the Chopstick

I then gripped the bottom chopstick with the bottom of my thumb to keep it more immobilized. This also helps with stabilizing the chopstick at the ring finger area

Step 3: Step 3: Adding the Second Chopstick

If I am holding the bottom chopstick correctly, my entire index finger and the top joint of my thumb are free to move around. This allows me to grip the second chopstick between the tips of these two fingers so that its tip lines up with the bottom chopstick tip.

Step 4: Step 4:Attempting to Pick Up Food

Now that I have both chopsticks positioned on my hand I can now try to pick up some food.To pick up a piece of food, I maneuver the top chopstick to grasp the food with the tip and brace it with the bottom tip chopstick. Then slowly lift the food up, making sure it does not slide off.

Step 5:

In this video, you will see two people attempt to use chopsticks for the first time. Like everyone else, they struggle at first trying to grasp a piece of food put with patience and practice anyone can become fluent in using chopsticks.