Have you ever seen someone using a fork, knife or another eating utensil in a way that seems incredibly awkward? Because the ability to use a knife and fork is a mark of a well-socialized individual and is a skill that is typically picked up from observing others, it is hard not to wonder they picked up such unusual habits. In Japan, some schools are wondering the same thing and want to make sure that such sloppy, untraditional habits of chopstick use are stopped before they spread any further. The Hisatagakuen Sasebo Girls' High School will be testing students on their skill with chopsticks as part of their entrance examinations. The 10-minute test will require that students "transfer beads, marbles, dice and beans from one plate to another."
Administrators say that the purpose of this test is to show respect for "the Japanese spirit" but, in light of the decline of chopstick use among Japanese children, it also seems like a rather unusual way to make sure everyone has good table manners.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-11-2007 @ 3:19PM
Home Brewer said...
That's pretty cool, I could see why they wouldn't want to loose part of the culture. I hope if they fail they are not punished though!
Chopsticks always make Raman more interesting for me :)
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1-11-2007 @ 11:27PM
seanV said...
I believe that chopstick use is very convinient especially when cooking!
Unfortunately, I have rather large hands and use chopsticks in an abnormal way. When I was in Japan, many people commented me on my odd chopstick usage. Eventhough I can pick up anything with chopsticks (from single grains of uncooked rice to slippery taro), to some Japanese people, it just looks out of the ordinary. I guess that this testing is a good way to make peoples chopstick etiquette consistent!
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1-12-2007 @ 1:22AM
bdw said...
Too bad we can't get them to teach etiquette in our own schools. Being able to conduct oneself as a lady or gentleman at table engenders self confidence and self esteem, much more so than having been told to have a "positive self image" without learning any social skills to back it up.
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