Regarding leaving food. Tourists are told that "Restaurants in Japan will not change orders on request", something unheard of in the West these days. Instagrammers and influencers aside , there may be other reasons that food is left. If the customer is allergic to certain foods, it is best to not have these foods in the bowl; but in Japan, since "changes are not allowed", food is left behind. Chances are that insult is not intended, more likely than not, the customer cannot eat that food or suspects ingredients to which they are allergic. Explaining an allergy in another language is difficult and many food allergy sufferers report that understanding of food preparation for allergy sufferers in Japan is poor. For example: a coeliac explaining carefully that no wheat can be in the meal will see wheat gluten (Fu) removed, but food covered in Panko breadcrumbs (which contains wheat gluten) added. There is even video on YT of a 'posh' restaurant in Tokyo saying that food containing gluten is gluten free... and selling it as such.
Another reason maybe that we just can’t consume so much white rice due to health reasons. When I request for less rice it’s usually accommodated though. I hate to waste rice..
I'm nervous about my upcoming trip to Japan... since I have difficulty eating solids (dysphagia) and I leave food and take long to eat :( is there a way to explain this to the restaurant's employees? in Japanese
Great informative video, thanks Meg ¡ I have a random question about the Yamanote line, I know goes in a circle in the middle of Tokyo, I know I can use the JRpass, but .. Can I go in a full circle as many times I want? Or I the train stop in a Sation and I have to get off and take another train?. Keep doing the good work ¡
Besides a few cultural taboos (chopsticks etiquette especially) these are all rules that it seems like everyone should follow regardless of where you live.
