Changes

===Saying "Grace"===

===Saying "Grace"===

Every Japanese meal, from a schoolchild about to eat their ''bento'' (<font size=3>弁当</font> "boxed lunch") to a restaurant, starts with each person saying out loud "itadakimasu" (<font size=3>戴きます</font> pronounced "i-ta-daki-maas"), which means, "I receive this gratefully." Likewise, after the meal, everybody says, "gochisōsama deshi<i></i>ta" (<font size=3>ご馳走様でした</font> pronounced "go-chi-sew-sama-desh-ta"), which means "Thank you for the meal." Failure to say either, implies you did not enjoy the food and is a terrible insult for the host.  

Every Japanese meal, from a schoolchild about to eat their ''bento'' (<font size=3>弁当</font> "boxed lunch") to a restaurant, starts with each person saying out loud "itadakimasu" (<font size=3>戴きます</font> pronounced "i-ta-daki-maas"), which means, "I receive this gratefully." Likewise, after the meal, everybody says, "gochisōsama deshi<i></i>ta" (<font size=3>ご馳走様でした</font> pronounced "go-chi-sew-sama-desh-ta"), which literally means "You were a person that gave me a feast" Failure to say either, implies you did not enjoy the food and is a terrible insult for the host.  

===Chopsticks===

===Chopsticks===

Once you are seated, you will be served a complimentary glass of water or tea, which is later refilled. You will also receive an ''oshibori'' (<font size=3>御絞り</font> a moistened hand towel) for cleaning your hands. If your place setting does not include chopsticks, you will usually find some in a box on the table. Most often, they are bamboo disposable chopsticks that need to be separated before you use them.

Once you are seated, you will be served a complimentary glass of water or tea, which is later refilled. You will also receive an ''oshibori'' (<font size=3>御絞り</font> a moistened hand towel) for cleaning your hands. If your place setting does not include chopsticks, you will usually find some in a box on the table. Most often, they are bamboo disposable chopsticks that need to be separated before you use them.

With regards to paying, you will be presented with the bill at the end, or occasionally at the beginning of your meal, although the latter will exclude any drinks you may order. Bills are usually paid at the cashier, rather than paying the waiter. Tipping is rare in Japan and staff do not expect it. In fact, you may find staff running after you, to return the money "you left behind". However, always remember to thank the staff with a "gochisōsama deshi<i></i>ta" when leaving.

With regards to paying, you will be presented with the bill at the end, or occasionally at the beginning of your meal, although the latter will exclude any drinks you may order. Bills are usually paid at the cashier, rather than paying the waiter. Tipping is rare in Japan and staff do not expect it. In fact, you may find staff running after you, to return the money "you left behind". However, always remember to thank the staff with a "gochisōsama deshi<i></i>ta" when leaving. In addition, if somebody else paid for the meal, you should thank them with a "gochisōsama deshi<i></i>ta" too.

If you do go out for dinner, keep in mind that splitting the bill is not a normal practice in Japan. It is normal for the inviting party to pay. However, if your host is paying for dinner, at least make an attempt to pay. This will be politely refused, but even your token offer will be received favourably. On the other hand, if you are paying, never accept someone else's offer to pay - they were merely being polite.

If you do go out for dinner, keep in mind that splitting the bill is not a normal practice in Japan. It is normal for the inviting party to pay. However, if your host is paying for dinner, at least make an attempt to pay. This will be politely refused, but even your token offer will be received favourably. On the other hand, if you are paying, never accept someone else's offer to pay - they were merely being polite.