About Japanese tableware

Japanese tableware is deeply intertwined with the country's rich culinary traditions and cultural heritage. From elegantly crafted bowls to intricately designed plates, each piece of Japanese tableware is designed to complement and enhance the dining experience.

However, when shopping for tableware, be cautious of lacquerware. Many stores, both physical and online, label plastic items as lacquerware, mimicking the traditional lacquer finish. If you're seeking authentic lacquerware, pay close attention to the product details. If the description is vague or lacks specifics about the materials, it's best to find a reputable Japanese shop that clearly outlines the product specifications. At Akazuki.com, we pride ourselves on transparency, detailing the materials used in each product, including the type of plastic when applicable.

Shapes and Sizes

Traditional Japanese tableware comes in a variety of shapes and sizes, each serving a unique purpose. From tiny condiment plates to large ramen bowls, and even bowls with lids, our catalog offers a diverse range to suit every need. Japanese meals differ significantly from Western ones. In Japan, there is no strict order to courses; instead, all dishes are presented together, allowing diners to enjoy them simultaneously. Small dishes are predominantly used, with larger plates typically serving as communal serving dishes.

Sharing is a fundamental aspect of Japanese dining. Diners often help themselves to portions from shared dishes using their chopsticks, transferring the food to their individual small plates or bowls.

Lacquerware bowls are ideal for small soups like miso or dipping sauces for soba noodles. Ceramic chawan bowls are perfect for rice or rice-based dishes like donburi. On a Japanese table, you'll often find small plates for condiments or soy sauce, fitting comfortably in the palm of your hand. Regular eating plates and sushi plates are roughly the size of your hand and can be flat or slightly curved. Larger plates of various shapes and sizes are used for serving and are placed in the center of the table.

Japan boasts a long tradition of crafting exquisite glassware for various beverages, including beer and sake. These beautifully designed glasses enhance the enjoyment of any drink, adding a touch of elegance to your table.

While these tableware items are designed with Japanese cuisine in mind, they also beautifully complement Western dishes. When shopping, pay close attention to the product descriptions to understand the sizes, as traditional Japanese portions are typically smaller, focusing on variety rather than quantity.

Japanese Dining Etiquette

In Japan, rice is a staple, much like bread in French cuisine. It accompanies nearly every meal and is eaten with a specific etiquette. To properly enjoy rice, hold the rice bowl in one hand and the chopsticks in the other. Lift the bowl to your mouth and use the chopsticks to scoop the rice. This method prevents spills and is considered polite.

When enjoying soup without a spoon, it is customary to sip directly from the bowl and use chopsticks for any solid ingredients. Holding the bowl with one finger on top and the others underneath helps prevent burns.

Eating larger pieces of food with chopsticks can be challenging. The ideal technique is to cut the food into smaller pieces using your chopsticks or simply bite off a portion and return the rest to your plate.

For more insights into chopstick etiquette, explore our article "about Japanese chopsticks".