Dining etiquette in Japan is a minefield for the unenlightened. It is curseworthy to stick your chopsticks in rice (it reminds people of incense at funerals) and it is ill-mannered to have too much soy sauce or raise your food above your mouth. It’s important to take a large (and audible) slurp of your noodles to convey appreciation and it is polite to conclude your meal with gochisĹŤsama deshita (“thank you for the feast”). And remember, if you wish to avoid committing the mother of all faux pas, don’t even think about burping, munching or blowing your nose.