Japan’s Chopstick Etiquette Dilemma

Did you know? In Japan, fewer and fewer people know how to use chopsticks properly each year. For example, according to a government food culture survey conducted in 2010, only 54.2% of people 18 and older hold chopsticks correctly.

Chopsticks. In the modern world, depending on tradition, people eat with their hands, utensils, and chopsticks. Since I live in Japan, I'd like to talk about a specialty of table etiquette: chopsticks. 

I'd like to point out that there's an International Chopsticks Day, celebrated on February 6th. This day symbolizes the appreciation of this ancient Asian utensil. 

Chopsticks originated in China around 5,000 years ago, and the tradition later spread to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The festival aims to promote East Asian food culture, develop fine motor skills, and highlight the convenience of using chopsticks.

About 30% of the world's population uses chopsticks. They are a very versatile utensil – they can be used to pick up rice or noodles, cut fish, stir soup, wrap sushi, hold solid food while drinking liquids, scoop up food, pick out bones, and so on.

Chopsticks originated in China around 5,000 years ago, and the tradition later spread to Japan, Korea, and Vietnam. The festival aims to promote East Asian food culture, develop fine motor skills, and highlight the convenience of using chopsticks. 

Interestingly, using chopsticks engages over 30 joints and muscles, developing fine motor skills and stimulating brain function.

Chopsticks are made from various materials. Japanese chopsticks are primarily made from wood or bamboo, while in East Asia, metals are also used, such as in Korea, and ivory and plastic, such as in China. ⠀ 

I'd like to note that Japan also celebrates this day on August 4th. Chopsticks in Japan symbolize longevity and good fortune and are called "o-hashi," a polite prefix. This is a recommended gift, especially for newlyweds. Each family member uses their own chopsticks.

According to Japanese etiquette, when eating with chopsticks, one must not place the chopsticks vertically in the dish, pass food from one set of chopsticks to another, or use the same dish with other diners. These actions are performed during the farewell ceremony according to Buddhist tradition. 

Other taboos also exist: waving chopsticks, pointing at people or objects, banging chopsticks, and moving cutlery and dishes.

I'm often asked, "What's the proper way to hold chopsticks?" Even in Japan, fewer and fewer people know how to use chopsticks properly each year. For example, according to a government food culture survey conducted in 2010, only 54.2% of people 18 and older hold chopsticks correctly.

Chopsticks should be held and held like this:
1) Hold one chopstick approximately one-third of the way up between the thumb and index finger, holding it from below with the middle finger; 

2) Place the top of the second chopstick on the base of the thumb, and below it on the last phalanx of the ring finger, approximately at the base of the nail; 

3) Hold the chopsticks this way, and try to move their ends together and apart. They should always be somewhat apart at the top;  

4) Practice grasping small objects with the chopsticks, such as peanuts or corn.

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber of The RSVP Institute of Etiquette, is the Site Editor of the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Japan’s Etiquette and Setsubun

February 3rd is the traditional holiday of Setsubun, which marks the end of the seasons. It's essentially the New Year.

February is a month for the New Year celebration in the East. For example, in China, the Lunar New Year began on February 17th this year, and will be celebrated until March 3rd. In Japan, where I live, February 3rd is the traditional holiday of Setsubun, which marks the end of the seasons. It's essentially the New Year.

Traditionally, the year begins with spring. Even when talking about the arrival of the New Year, they use the expression "Haru o mukaeru" (春を迎える). Translated from Japanese, it means "Welcome spring." February 3rd is the start of the New Year according to the solar calendar.

First, you should eat soybeans (mame) equal to your age plus one bean to become healthier. These beans are sold in all supermarkets, and in large stores, in the lead-up to the holiday…

There are a number of traditions that are traditionally observed on February 3rd. First, you should eat soybeans (mame) equal to your age plus one bean to become healthier. These beans are sold in all supermarkets, and in large stores, in the lead-up to the holiday, they broadcast audio narration about the holiday. The beans are called "fukumame," meaning "lucky beans." This is how the tradition is passed on to new generations.

Celebrities, such as sumo wrestlers, renowned athletes, and famous actors, are invited to participate.

Secondly, on February 3rd, it's customary to scatter these beans at Shinto shrines. Celebrities, such as sumo wrestlers, renowned athletes, and famous actors, are invited to participate. Thirdly, it's essential to eat ehomaki rice rolls. These are rolls of the "auspicious direction." According to etiquette, ehomaki should be eaten silently and with your eyes closed, facing the auspicious direction, so that your wish will come true. The roll must be eaten in one go, without cutting it with a knife.

In 2026, the lucky direction is south - southeast (closer to the south). Incidentally, according to Chinese tradition, the god of wealth also arrives from the south on February 17th this year. This is how the traditions of the two countries intertwine. Ehomaki contains seven ingredients, symbolizing the seven gods of fortune. Kapyo (seaweed) symbolizes longevity, shiitake mushrooms symbolize protection from evil, omelet symbolizes good luck, eel symbolizes promotion and longevity, shrimp symbolizes longevity, cucumber symbolizes vitality and growth, and sakura denbu (crushed dried sea bream with added sugar and soy sauce) symbolizes celebration.

Since ancient times, one family member, usually a man, would wear a "demon" mask, and all family members would throw beans at him. 

Fourth, the mamemaki ritual is performed, which is aimed at driving away evil forces. It is customary to scatter beans while reciting the phrase: "Oni-wa soto! Fuku-wa uchi!" — "Demons out! Happiness into the house!" Since ancient times, one family member, usually a man, would wear a "demon" mask, and all family members would throw beans at him. According to tradition, this was supposed to ward off evil spirits and ill intentions, and also to ensure prosperity and good health for the coming year. Happy spring! May happiness and prosperity come to your homes!

By contributor, Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama especially for Etiquipedia. Elena is a specialist in Japanese protocol and etiquette, and European social etiquette. The founder of the project Etiquette748, Elena is also a member of the National Association of Specialists of Protocol. She authored the best-selling book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” after living in Japan for over 20 years. Elena recently was awarded the Diploma of the World Prize “Woman of the Russian World” in the category “Entrepreneurship” (Japan). The theme of the 2024 award is “Preservation and strengthening of the traditional family values.”

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia

Spotlight on Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama

 

Meet our Contributor in the Spotlight for March 2025, Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama

Elena is a specialist in Japanese protocol and etiquette, and European social etiquette. The founder of the project Etiquette748, Elena is also a member of the National Association Specialist of Protocol. She authored the best-selling book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” after living in Japan for over 20 years.

Below are links to Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama’s articles on etiquette which you’ll find on Etiquipedia:

• Etiquette of Banknotes in Japan
• Gift Etiquette in Japan 
• Japanese Picnic Etiquette and History

The following is a Q. & A. with Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama:

What was the impetus for starting your Etiquette business or career involving Etiquette?
I have always been interested in the traditions of different countries, especially in the East. While working at the Institute of Asian and African Countries of Moscow State University (named after M.V. Lomonosov), I was lucky enough to take part in the organization of international conferences and meetings, as well as participating in international conferences and internships in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China and Japan. It was from studying the history and culture of Eastern countries that my interest in the rules of Eastern etiquette began, which ultimately led me to my current profession. After graduating from Waseda University, I work for an international company in Tokyo. I play golf, study Japanese calligraphy. Both hobbies are related to culture, tradition of respect, politeness, observance of rules of etiquette and showing consideration for other people.

I studied European etiquette, visiting the UK for this purpose, where I studied at Debrett’s Academy (London) and International Social etiquette consultant (The International Etiquette and Protocol Academy of London), where I received the Trainer certificate. I also studied European etiquette in France and Italy in 2014. Those studies  were with my friend Kseniia, we created a page on Facebook, “Etiquette 748”, and on other social media networks. 

For 10 years now, every week I have been writing an article on etiquette in Japan. During this time, I wrote more than 500 articles on the topic of etiquette and protocol. Most of the articles were devoted to Japan. In 2020, my book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” was published in Moscow. The book became a bestseller and I received a national award for the top book in the field of protocol and etiquette.

For 10 years now, every week I have been writing an article on etiquette in Japan. During this time, I wrote more than 500 articles on the topic of etiquette and protocol.

What (or who) do you find the most enjoyable with regard to Etiquette and your work? 
Thanks to my work, I often travel to other East Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia. I am very interested in learning about the etiquette which is representative of these cultures.

Currently, I teach etiquette online in Japan and offline for undergraduate and graduate students at leading universities in Russia.

What do you find the most rewarding aspect of your career regarding Etiquette?

I like the ethical aspect – the moral principles of etiquette – and how it combines with ancient traditions in Japan. Also how historical events influence the development of etiquette.

In Japan, I conduct my own “World of Japanese Etiquette” tours, where I give lectures and master classes on Japanese etiquette and protocol, and also conduct an excursion program to the very places which are the basis for Japanese culture and Japanese etiquette.

What types of classes or training do you offer, if any? If you don’t offer classes or training, how do you share your expertise?
Currently, I teach etiquette online in Japan and offline for undergraduate and graduate students at leading universities in Russia. In Japan, I conduct my own “World of Japanese Etiquette” tours, where I give lectures and master classes on Japanese etiquette and protocol, and also conduct an excursion program to the very places which are the basis for Japanese culture and Japanese etiquette.

I really enjoy conducting master classes and seminars on table etiquette. In Japan, table setting and food culture are very important.

What age group do you enjoy working with most when it comes to etiquette? And why?
I like to work with children when they take their first steps in the field of communication, based on knowledge of behavioral etiquette and traditional culture. I also like teaching students because they ask interesting questions, and we explore topics on etiquette from the point of view of historical events. I really enjoy conducting master classes and seminars on table etiquette. In Japan, table setting and food culture are very important. Japanese table setting is a work of art. For the Japanese, a meal is a journey into the world of beauty and harmony, which is why elegance, grace and tradition are so important in table setting.                       

I like the Mitsui Memorial Museum and my reference book now is: “Generations of Mitsui Family Treasures”.

I enjoy reading old works of Japanese authors, especially Tetsuo Owada’s, “Bushi no sahou” and I like the Mitsui Memorial Museum and my reference book now is: “Generations of Mitsui Family Treasures”. 

If you would like to reach Elena, you can can contact her via her Instagram page or on Facebook @Etiquette748

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia 

Japanese Picnic Etiquette and History

Here, the greatest number of picnics are held in the spring during the period of admiring the blooming sakura - hanami. The two main components of hanami: seasonal products with the addition of sakura or in the form of sakura flowers and picnics under the blooming sakura.

It's summer now, which means it's time to talk about picnics. Very often, a picnic is associated with the summer season. But in Japan, it is a little different. Here, the greatest number of picnics are held in the spring during the period of admiring the blooming sakura - hanami. The two main components of hanami: seasonal products with the addition of sakura or in the form of sakura flowers and picnics under the blooming sakura.

This custom first arose among the nobility during the Nara period (710-794). The first grand hanami festival was organized by Emperor Saga in 812. Japanese aristocrats spent many hours under flowering trees, enjoying exquisite drinks and reading Japanese poetry.

To hold a picnic, you need to prepare in advance. This is an important part of the hanami etiquette. First of all, the items that you need to bring to the park are determined. First of all, it is a vinyl mat, since it is customary to sit directly on the ground during a picnic.

When the capital was moved from Kyoto to Edo (modern Tokyo), cherry blossoms were brought from the city of Nara and planted in the capital's Ueno Park. Today, it is the most popular place in Tokyo to admire the cherry blossoms and have picnics under the blossoming trees, of which there are currently more than 2,000.

To hold a picnic, you need to prepare in advance. This is an important part of the hanami etiquette. First of all, the items that you need to bring to the park are determined. First of all, it is a vinyl mat, since it is customary to sit directly on the ground during a picnic.

Secondly, a folding table on which you can put drinks and food. It is also recommended to take a small blanket, because the weather is quite cool in the spring. And from the point of view of etiquette, ladies can cover their knees with it, it looks more aesthetically pleasing. People come to hanami with relatives, friends, and colleagues. So there is an opportunity to visit spring picnics several times.

What is usually eaten during a picnic: food and drinks. Food is usually o-bento, and drinks can be both non-alcoholic and alcoholic. O-bento are portioned boxes with food, which I will talk about later.

During picnics it is very pleasant to open bento and see that everything was prepared with creativity and imagination. Thus, beautiful and aesthetic compositions are obtained. Of course, this is always a complimentary topic for small talk.

As for alcoholic drinks, you should always remember that the purpose of the holiday is to admire the blossoming sakura, feel harmony with nature, communicate with loved ones, and not to taste a large number of alcoholic drinks. Of course, anything can happen. You should also definitely bring garbage bags. At the end of the picnic, everything should remain as clean as it was before the picnic.

Let’s talk about o-bento. Bento it is the joy of a traditional Japanese lunch and picnic. O-bento is an important part of the daily diet of the Japanese. Of course, it is also customary to prepare such boxes with food for picnics.

Traditionally, bento is meant to be a meal for one person. When picnics are organized, it is agreed who will cook what, and accordingly, bento is for several people. What unites bento? That it is always a surprise. ⠀ According to the rules of table etiquette, the ingredients are prepared with great attention to detail. It is important to consider the color, the placement of products in the box, the balance of nutrients, etc… — everything should be harmonious. To add variety, a number of simple and at the same time unusual kitchen utensils are also used.

Depending on the season, it is customary to make figurines from food, for example, cherry blossoms if it is spring. In summer - sunflowers and roses. In autumn in the form of bright maple leaves. In winter with a Christmas theme. Yes, in Japan there are picnics in winter, this is usually on the island of Okinawa, where the air temperature does not fall below 15 degrees Celsius.

Bento is usually wrapped in traditional furoshiki shawls (square pieces of fabric), the pattern of which is recommended to match the season.

The obligatory components of bento are rice, meat or fish, pickled, boiled or fresh vegetables. Also, for picnics, fruits and beans are often put in bento. Lovers of bread, cheese and sausages also put these ingredients in their boxes, because it is important that it is tasty, beautiful, and that the food is liked.
Bento is usually wrapped in traditional furoshiki shawls (square pieces of fabric), the pattern of which is recommended to match the season. In Japan, bento is not just food, it is a part of the culture, expressing care, attention and a creative approach to organizing food.

During picnics it is very pleasant to open bento and see that everything was prepared with creativity and imagination. Thus, beautiful and aesthetic compositions are obtained. Of course, this is always a complimentary topic for small talk.

Meet Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama, our newest contributor to Etiquipedia. Elena is a specialist in Japanese protocol and etiquette, and European social etiquette. The founder of the project Etiquette748, Elena is also a member of the National Association Specialist of Protocol. She authored the best-selling book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” after living in Japan for over 20 years.

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia 

Spotlight on Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama

Meet our Contributor in the Spotlight for March 2025, Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama

Elena is a specialist in Japanese protocol and etiquette, and European social etiquette. The founder of the project Etiquette748, Elena is also a member of the National Association Specialist of Protocol. She authored the best-selling book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” after living in Japan for over 20 years.

Below are links to Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama’s articles on etiquette which you’ll find on Etiquipedia:

• Etiquette of Banknotes in Japan
• Gift Etiquette in Japan 

The following is a Q. & A. with Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama:

What was the impetus for starting your Etiquette business or career involving Etiquette?
I have always been interested in the traditions of different countries, especially in the East. While working at the Institute of Asian and African Countries of Moscow State University (named after M.V. Lomonosov), I was lucky enough to take part in the organization of international conferences and meetings, as well as participating in international conferences and internships in Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, China and Japan. It was from studying the history and culture of Eastern countries that my interest in the rules of Eastern etiquette began, which ultimately led me to my current profession. After graduating from Waseda University, I work for an international company in Tokyo. I play golf, study Japanese calligraphy. Both hobbies are related to culture, tradition of respect, politeness, observance of rules of etiquette and showing consideration for other people.

I studied European etiquette, visiting the UK for this purpose, where I studied at Debrett’s Academy (London) and International Social etiquette consultant (The International Etiquette and Protocol Academy of London), where I received the Trainer certificate. I also studied European etiquette in France and Italy in 2014. Those studies  were with my friend Kseniia, we created a page on Facebook, “Etiquette 748”, and on other social media networks. 

For 10 years now, every week I have been writing an article on etiquette in Japan. During this time, I wrote more than 500 articles on the topic of etiquette and protocol. Most of the articles were devoted to Japan. In 2020, my book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” was published in Moscow. The book became a bestseller and I received a national award for the top book in the field of protocol and etiquette.

For 10 years now, every week I have been writing an article on etiquette in Japan. During this time, I wrote more than 500 articles on the topic of etiquette and protocol.

What (or who) do you find the most enjoyable with regard to Etiquette and your work? 
Thanks to my work, I often travel to other East Asian countries, such as China, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, India, and Mongolia. I am very interested in learning about the etiquette which is representative of these cultures.

Currently, I teach etiquette online in Japan and offline for undergraduate and graduate students at leading universities in Russia.

What do you find the most rewarding aspect of your career regarding Etiquette?

I like the ethical aspect – the moral principles of etiquette – and how it combines with ancient traditions in Japan. Also how historical events influence the development of etiquette.

In Japan, I conduct my own “World of Japanese Etiquette” tours, where I give lectures and master classes on Japanese etiquette and protocol, and also conduct an excursion program to the very places which are the basis for Japanese culture and Japanese etiquette.

What types of classes or training do you offer, if any? If you don’t offer classes or training, how do you share your expertise?
Currently, I teach etiquette online in Japan and offline for undergraduate and graduate students at leading universities in Russia. In Japan, I conduct my own “World of Japanese Etiquette” tours, where I give lectures and master classes on Japanese etiquette and protocol, and also conduct an excursion program to the very places which are the basis for Japanese culture and Japanese etiquette.

I really enjoy conducting master classes and seminars on table etiquette. In Japan, table setting and food culture are very important.

What age group do you enjoy working with most when it comes to etiquette? And why?
I like to work with children when they take their first steps in the field of communication, based on knowledge of behavioral etiquette and traditional culture. I also like teaching students because they ask interesting questions, and we explore topics on etiquette from the point of view of historical events. I really enjoy conducting master classes and seminars on table etiquette. In Japan, table setting and food culture are very important. Japanese table setting is a work of art. For the Japanese, a meal is a journey into the world of beauty and harmony, which is why elegance, grace and tradition are so important in table setting.                       

I like the Mitsui Memorial Museum and my reference book now is: “Generations of Mitsui Family Treasures”.

I enjoy reading old works of Japanese authors, especially Tetsuo Owada’s, “Bushi no sahou” and I like the Mitsui Memorial Museum and my reference book now is: “Generations of Mitsui Family Treasures”. 

If you would like to reach Elena, you can can contact her via her Instagram page or on Facebook @Etiquette748

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia 

Gift Etiquette in Japan

“O-seibo” means “the year-end gift” For me, it means to express my thanks and gratitude to people for being so helpful to me throughout the year. – Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama

How gifts are given in Japan. The tradition of giving gifts. On the eve of the holidays, we always think about gifts that are not only pleasant to receive, but also even more pleasant to give. Gift culture is very strong in Japan, where the exchange of gifts is of great importance, especially when it comes to maintaining personal relationships. Gifts may be given as a token of gratitude for kindness shown. The one who accepted the gift, in turn, must also show gratitude to the giver.

It is advisable to buy gifts in well-known and prestigious department stores; branded packaging will demonstrate where the gift was purchased. Yes, this is very important, and the Japanese do not consider this some kind of bragging, but a sign of respect.

Usually a gift is presented with the words: “This is a trifle, but please accept it anyway!” However, there is a subtle nuance here: never give exactly a “trifle”! You will be considered, to put it mildly, a stingy person. After these words, the usual ceremony in such cases occurs: the recipient puts the gift aside without unwrapping it and as if not paying attention to it. If he immediately opened the package to see what was inside, it would look like greed.

Having received a gift, you must thank the giver. This, of course, does not mean that you need to immediately run out and buy a return gift, but it is advisable to thank them in writing: for example, send a postcard with words of gratitude or a message in phone messenger. But sooner or later you will definitely need to give something of equal value. As a rule, they order delivery of a gift directly from a department store. But to influential, respected people, gifts should be presented personally. This is required by etiquette.

The topic of gifts is endless and very interesting, I think that it is relevant for many. The tradition of gifts in Japan is an important component of communication etiquette. The Japanese love to give gifts and take great pleasure in the opportunity to give a gift. Very often they give gifts, for example, upon returning from travel, when meeting friends or relatives whom they have not seen for a long time, or to work colleagues.

Gift exchange is a tradition that speaks to the importance of maintaining good relationships between people throughout life.
For example, during the New Year holidays, many Japanese visit shopping malls and purchase seasonal o-seibo gifts. This tradition is unique and has its roots in the distant past. Initially, at the end of the year, it was customary to present gifts to the gods, thereby expressing gratitude for their help and favor in the past year and a plea for help in the coming one. As a rule, it was sake, rice, dried fish, fruits, and vegetables. 

Then gifts began to be given not only to the gods and their servants, but also to people who helped and played an important role in life, for example, parents, family members, teachers, managers, and work colleagues. Such gifts should not be expensive; attention and respect are important. Therefore, even now o-seibo is food, sake, tea, coffee. It is expected that each o-seibo who receives a gift will give the giver a return gift. And in order not to violate the rules of etiquette, this should be done not immediately after receiving, but after some time, so as not to show the donor your reluctance to be obliged.

I would like to note that o-seibo gifts are exchanged not only by individuals, but also by entire companies and corporations, which provides another opportunity to show respect and maintain relationships. After all, an important feature of such gifts, determined by the rules of etiquette, is that once started, this process continues for a long time! Thus, in Japan, gifts play an important role in harmonizing relationships between people.

 

                                                                 

By contributor, Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama especially for Etiquipedia. Elena is a specialist in Japanese protocol and etiquette, and European social etiquette. The founder of the project Etiquette748, Elena is also a member of the National Association of Specialists of Protocol. She authored the best-selling book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” after living in Japan for over 20 years. Elena recently was awarded the Diploma of the World Prize “Woman of the Russian World” in the category “Entrepreneurship” (Japan). The theme of the 2024 award is “Preservation and strengthening of the traditional family values.” Congratulations, Elena! 

🍽Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia 

Etiquette of Banknotes in Japan

In Japan, there are books on etiquette for children, where there is always a chapter or even a separate book that talks about banknotes, who is depicted on them, and how to correctly understand and manage something. Moreover, for example, in Japan, according to tradition, children are given envelopes with money - “otoshidama” - on New Year’s Day. 

The topic of money and financial status is not directly a topic of etiquette. It is not customary to develop your own well-being, much less be interested in the well-being of other people. And just as we live in a world where paper bills are still used, I think it is important to know and have small talk on this topic.  

For example, in Japan there are books on etiquette for children, where there is always a chapter or even a separate book that talks about banknotes, who is depicted on them, and how to correctly understand and manage something. Moreover, for example, in Japan, according to tradition, children are given envelopes with money - “otoshidama” - on New Year’s Day. 

There are rules on how to put money in envelopes and how to give them. This suggests that traditions are preserved in this way, and children can learn to manage money from childhood. Perhaps this is why there are a large number of millionaires living in Japan.

Each country has its own traditions about who and what is depicted on banknotes. Since I live in Japan, I want to tell you that new banknotes will be issued this year, namely on July 3, 2024. This was announced on December 12, 2023 by the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan. I would like to note that this is the first update of banknotes in 20 years since 2004. 

In Japan, there is a tradition of depicting famous people; it so happens that on banknotes we see people from four main areas of life: representatives of education, business, medicine and art. The new 10,000 yen note features Shibusawa Eiichi, known as the "father of Japanese capitalism." Currently, this banknote depicts the writer, translator and philosopher, founder of Keio University, the first president of Tokyo Academy - Fukuzawa Yukichi. His portrait graced the 10,000 yen bill in 1984 and remains on the 2004 banknote, so the face on this banknote will change for the first time in 40 years.

On the 5,000 yen note, instead of Higuchi Ichiyo, the Meiji era writer (1868-1912), the portrait of Tsuda Umeko, who contributed to the development of women's education, will be used. It is recently that the situation of women has been changing. Beautiful representatives of Japan occupy high positions in various fields of activity. On the 1000 yen banknote, Noguchi Hideyo, a bacteriologist and eminent physician, will be replaced by Kitasato Shibasaburo - known as the "father of modern medicine" in Japan.

The reverse side of the bills has also been changed. So on the back of 10,000 yen there will be an image of the Tokyo station building, on the 5,000 yen note there will be wisteria flowers, and on the 1,000 yen note there will be the famous “Great Wave off Kanagawa” by the Japanese artist of the Edo period Katsushika Hokusai. This work influenced foreign artists and modern designers and jewelers.

I would also like to note that for the first time in the world, the banknotes will use hologram technology, which allows you to see portraits in three dimensions when viewed from different angles. As part of efforts to create a barrier-free environment, the bills have markings for tactile recognition of the denomination, and the numbers on the front side themselves are larger than on bills currently in use. 

From the moment the new banknotes are released, they will be available at cash desks of financial institutions and automated teller machines (ATMs). Banknotes currently in circulation can continue to be used. This is how you can pick up a banknote and learn the history of the country. In Japan, they treat everything with care, especially banknotes. For me, as an expert in the field of etiquette, the topic of banknotes from the point of view of historical facts and prominent people of Japan is both a good topic for small talk and a wonderful topic for small talk.

Meet Elena Gavrilina-Fujiyama, our newest contributor to Etiquipedia. Elena is a specialist in Japanese protocol and etiquette, and European social etiquette. The founder of the project Etiquette748, Elena is also a member of the National Association Specialist of Protocol. She authored the best-selling book “Japanese Etiquette: Ancient Traditions and Modern Rules” after living in Japan for over 20 years.

 

🍽️Etiquette Enthusiast, Maura J. Graber, is the Site Editor for the Etiquipedia© Etiquette Encyclopedia