Departments
Intermediate Japanese - Free Online Course
HANKO
判子
personal seal
The hanko, (also known as inkan / 印鑑) is used to stamp important documents in Japan. The personal seal is required on many legal documents, and it is legally binding, like a signature. The personal seal is also used in many corporate settings.
In Japan, there are businesses that specialize in making personal seals. The seal itself can be made from wood or plastic. The most expensive ones are made from ivory. Many people believe that ivory seals bring their owners good luck.
HASHI
箸
chopsticks
Chopsticks have been used in Japan for centuries. Chopsticks take the place of a knife and fork, and the same pair of chopsticks is used throughout the meal. (There is no such thing as “salad chopsticks” versus “main course chopsticks” as is the case with Western eating utensils.)
Japanese chopsticks are about eight inches long, and are tapered at the end. Most restaurants give their customers disposable chopsticks. These are made of light wood and enclosed in a paper sleeve.
Never place chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. This is a taboo in Japan (and other parts of Asia as well.) Such a gesture represents an offering to the dead, and is associated with funeral rites.