A Real-Life Geisha Teaches How To Use Chopsticks Properly

Special thanks to Sakuraco for sponsoring this episode. Discover their authentic Japanese snacks here: sakura.co/?rfsn=5923802.a36937 Be one of the first 60 people to sign up with code: CHOPSTICKS and get a FREE pair of beautiful Japanese chopsticks in your first Sakuraco box!
Did you know that Geisha’s are considered to be experts at using chopsticks? They uphold Japanese tradition in many ways and proper chopsticks technique and etiquette is part of that. We met Seika, a real-life Geisha who taught us how to use chopsticks the proper way and some of the no-goes when it comes to using them at the dinner table.
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[@AsianBoss]

Discover Sakuraco's authentic Japanese snacks here ► sakura.co/?rfsn=5923802.a36937 Be one of the first 60 people to sign up with code: CHOPSTICKS and get a free pair of beautiful Japanese chopsticks in your first Sakuraco box!

[@SpammytheHedgehog]

Hello.

[@sleepertalks]

Hey Asian Boss, Could you bring some coverage to the problem of international students, workers and couples stranded outside Japan for more than a year? I myself have been waiting for the entry ban lift since January and we have not even been given any timeline regarding the entry.

[@goretticastillo2590]

Muy buen juego para una fiesta con amigos y familia, me encantó el vídeo, muy divertido e interesante. Very good game for a party with friends and family, I loved the video, very funny and interesting

[@aldcoja701]

I hope Europe and America won't make any attempt to make business with Singapore for a long run, this country has no lands, no resources and no manpower, Yet they bought the minerals and oil from poor countries in very cheap to trade in China... When China breakdown then Singapore may fall too... The economy of Singapore is fast to drowning into the core.. 2020 Singapore rank 36 and now 38 in the world ranking... Yet they don't suffer from pandemic.

[@boycottsouthkorea5271]

I'm Japanese, and I'm sick and tired of the Asian Boss channel where South Koreans introduce Japanese culture. If South Koreans want to have cultural exchange with Japan, they must first apologize to Japan for their historical problems. Korea calls Japan a war crime nation and they play the heroic victim.

[@yizhu7709]

Keep in mind that chopsticks vary from china, korea and japan. Japanese chopsticks are pointier since the diet consists more of fish, chinese chopsticks are thicker and fuller in size for scooping up rice from the bowl, korean chopsticks are a lot flatter and broad. Mastering one might not necessarily mean you will be good at the others, but great video regardless!

[@boy638]

You didn't mention why Korean ones are flatter and broader.

[@minu_is_mi_n_u]

@@boy638 maybe because their chopsticks are made from metal so they’re kinda slippery, flatter and broad shape is easier to catch food

[@robopecha]

well it does. once you are comfortable using chopsticks you can basically eat like that with any two sticks.

[@da_big_chungus]

@@boy638 easier to cut meat with them as we eat (we koreans eat a lot more meat compared to our neighbors)

[@boy638]

@@da_big_chungus How do you cut meat with chopsticks?

[@minaharker5699]

"Pick up the chopsticks with your right hand" *cries in left handed *

[@noneedtoknowme]

HAHAHAHAHA I FEEL YOU. Lefties unite

[@saidtoshimaru1832]

Thank you.

[@tarmaque]

Yes, it's considered quite impolite to use your chopsticks with your left hand in Japan. I was first introduced to this fact watching a dorama where a spoiled brat of a girl was being chastised by her teacher for using her left hand. At the time the only thing I could think was how difficult it must have been for the actress to use her chopsticks in her left hand, having been using them in her right for most of her life. Then I found out how it was considered really terrible manners and understood the meaning of the scene. In another scene the teacher sends the girl in to the store to buy toilet paper. The girl didn't even know what it was. She had grown up in Tokyo with those fancy toilets that have both a fountain bidet and a blow dryer built in. She'd never used toilet paper! For reference, the show was called _Teru Teru Ashita,_ or in English _Shine Shine Tomorrow._ Based on the novel _Sasara Saya._

[@cSedx00022]

@김유빈 I’m Chinese and no one in my family ever mentioned me eating with my left hand... 🤷‍♀️😂 It’s too difficult to pick up food using chopsticks with my right hand.

[@JustJulyo]

It is awkward eating with someone since we always bump elbows

[@celifacejones]

This was so wholesome and fun. I loved their energy.

[@Rachel.Lanlan]

I was born in China, and I've been using chopsticks ever since. However, we use a tablespoon to eat Japanese silken tofu😂. It's very hard to eat it with the thick Chinese chopsticks, but it is even harder to eat with Japanese ones because of the pointed ends! It is true art if you can master the skill!😄

[@shroomey6686]

"chopsticks isn't really a special skill" ~ Barry, The Bee Movie

[@Rorschachqp]

Why do you use a tablespoon? Or do you mean Chinese soup spoon?

[@ArtrixCullingblade]

im just happy Asian Boss is doing well

[@OzVegan]

I'm happy they're getting sponsors because for a while there I was worried they would disappear.

[@anisaindira7520]

Seika seems to be very kind and fun. She really warms my heart

[@youheartmel]

Beautiful! My Japanese Husband taught me how to properly use chopsticks over a 4 month span- he was so patient with me.

[@qpSubZeroqp]

That's so awesome!

[@rednek666]

That bean game looks like something geishas would use to entertain their tipsy clients along with playing shamisen and dancing

[@pauldwalker]

the skill exercise i was taught was to pick up a single peanut. then pick up two peanuts side by side. once you’ve mastered that, you pick up three peanuts side by side in a line. it requires a lot of skill. i’m still working on 4.

[@TheVermilliaFamily]

Nice! I'll have to practice this way.

[@chiccavaquita]

This will cure my ADD.

[@cz2301]

the final stage is to pick up a whole 5kg bag at once

[@pauldwalker]

@@cz2301 !!! After 30 years, I've still not managed to pick up 4. Maybe the 5kg bag will be easier.

[@cz2301]

@@pauldwalker hahaha ganbatte kudasai (good luck!) ^^

[@Yoshiki269]

If I see anything Japanese everything is about patience, skills, concentration.

[@Adeno]

Rowan Atksinson is... OMAME SAN!

[@TheCyberMantis]

LoL!

[@PeninsulaCity2024]

Ok, the Miso Soup one was something I didn't know despite using chopsticks for a while now. It goes to show you can still learn something new from something you are already familiar with.

[@corruptedteka]

Your profile pic is the P3 protag isn't it ? I love P3 ! Nice to see other people share the feeling-

[@egemen491]

This was such a cool interview! Really enjoyed it. They both were so kind and funny😍😂

[@kaerbear]

That’s the skill of a geisha, to be entertaining and charming. That’s why they’re so loved. They keep the party going.

[@japanorbust]

Here's my tip: Make sure the bottom stick rests on your fourth/ring finger, not your middle finger. Some may find it easier to use the middle finger to support that chopstick, like I did for many years, but it tightens your grip and now have a callous on the side of my middle finger that hasn't gone away even a couple years after I fixed my chopstick form. Whoops. Don't press the bottom stick into your finger too hard, so you can avoid that, regardless of which finger you put on.

[@AmbiCahira]

I'm so grateful that my teacher was strict and forced me to eat every meal with chopsticks until I mastered it because the hunger each meal was a powerful driving force to succeed. Some meals in the beginning took almost 2 hours to finish but by 1-2 weeks I could pick up most foods efficiently enough to eat at normal dining time. I prefer chopsticks over forks and spoons now. :) I wish I could try that bean competition game because it looks so much fun!

[@akash3478]

Japanese people are so nice , this geisha already had a camera set inside her room.

[@tyrranicalt-rad6164]

But can she catch a fly with chopsticks ? That's the real question here. 🤣

[@SlimjimMK11]

She is so skilled she can catch a mosquito.. LOL

[@Yoshiki269]

She can catch a bullet with her chopsticks 😂😂😂😂😂

[@chandradeep1230]

@@Yoshiki269 pls-💀

[@yeahnah6763]

I really enjoyed just how much fun the geisha was having while passing on her knowledge.

[@jamjam9253]

The Geisha is so cute 🥰

[@karmaoutlaw]

Fascinating! I’d love to learn more about the history of Geishas, why/how they emerged as a “thing” and what each piece of their traditional garments and adornments means. 🙏🏼

[@firstnamelastname8339]

Geishas exist as a thing to entertain misogynistic men, bc men see women as objects to use and have around while they're passing time. geishas and every women put in these kind situations and settings deserve better 💔

[@noyes6861]

@@firstnamelastname8339 its not just men who visit geishas though? women visit too and they dont need your pity what if they became geisha by their own choice and are happy with what they do and their lifestyle?

[@elliehowlett3493]

@@firstnamelastname8339 Geisha are artists, who have chosen to dedicate their lives to preserving traditional arts. The profession has nothing to do with catering to misogynistic men. Women enter the profession because they love it, and they leave whenever they want to.

[@Sirena101]

The first geisha, way back in the 17th century, were men. I think of them as bards/jesters. Then women started doing it, and they got so popular it eventually became a women-only profession. Same thing happened when oiran/yuujo (prostitutes) fell out of fashion, the geisha spiked in popularity. Now there’s only a few hundred geisha left in all of Japan. They were once the trend setters of their times, real celebrities, now they are guardians of the old traditions.

[@katherineyanagihara2909]

Aloha! I grew up with chopsticks but mostly the Chinese way. I used to play that bean game when I was in Japanese school. It was harder, a folded fan, beans, chopsticks. You had to open the fan, put the bean on the fan! If you could do it, close fan, next! Thank you! Loved learning some of technical skills!!!! Arigato!

[@nocuh]

I’ve been using proper technique, minus the ritualistic finesse and refined form. Glad to learn about avoiding the faux pas 🌞

[@nocuh]

I tried practicing the chopstick challenge with pinto beans as substitute for azuki. Good results in the low stakes setting but it’s challenging even without the racing head to head competitive component!

[@Spyduck]

As an Asian, this video brings joy

[@pauldwalker]

as a non Asian, it does as well.

[@uartim]

Again, culture in East Asia

[@lidyaflorensia7604]

Now I know why Geisha look so graceful, they have practiced and mastered manners for years.. I hope I could see one in the future

[@Skyscrapers1]

It's always nice to see traditional customs that are still there in many countries

[@justflippingwork8049]

I remember when I first found a great way to practice. We did not have the red beans, but we did have regular M&M's. Great practice to learn to pick them up and move them.

[@redtski]

Just in time bc i recently bought chopsticks and want to learn how to use them properly 😅

[@ervin1jp]

Excellent episode. I was taught how to use chopsticks by a loveley elderly couple who invited me ("us") into their home in a small town at the base of Mt. Fuji when I was in my early 20s. I've been complimented on my usage ever since. I'm deeply grateful for that experience to this day.

[@shania9528]

That sounds like a magical anecdote! Did you grow up in Japan as a foreigner? Or move there as a young adult? (If you don’t mind my asking)

[@ervin1jp]

@@shania9528 Yeah, I think the magical part was their smiles of approval and accomplishment when I got the hang of it. They were genuinely happy. I didn't realize how much they helped me at the time, they sure did. Now that I think of it, using chopsticks properly in Japan may be even more important than basic table manners in the west. But yeah, I first came here as a young adult for the first time in the military, and a little later for language studies then university. How about you? Any experiences or aspirations to share?

[@Raquel96]

This is so enjoyable to watch, totally not what I expected but loved it!

[@odd1ty612]

my friends: who taught you how to use chopsticks? Me: Seika-san the geisha

[@stealthkillz3114]

I'm half Vietnamese and I love these Geisha videos. It awakens something ancient in me as a descendant of the Nguyen Dynasty (I hope you cover the Nguyen Dynasty in the future) alas, I do want more Geisha videos. I love these women.

[@danmichaud580]

A very well done instructional video. I learned quite a few things here, things I will have to try.

[@slamdunk406]

Glad to see that Asian Boss is still with us! 頑張れ!

[@lrla8657]

A few years ago, I decided to use chopsticks at home so I use them every day! I love going out to eat and actually know what I’m doing. What a sweet video! Thank you!

[@ninjaahjumma]

I just want Seika-san to teach me more Japanese manners. More videos like this, please!

[@ze-kami7646]

And im here practicing with pencils and orange slices...and I'm struggling 😂😂😂

[@younglee6718]

I think the culture is really special and unique. This was really a fun and interesting video to see. The people in the video were so kind and funny. I loved their spirit.

[@cariskleimeyer2156]

I’m already a member of Sakuraco and enjoying my surprise every month.

[@sahilagarwal6601]

thats cool. i dont have money on me rn but i might sub to it later

[@AJShiningThreads]

Wow, I wish the geiko had classes on etiquette we could take!

[@erpekito]

I would have loved to learn more about her, she looks so interesting!

[@Panbaneesha]

There are several documentaries about Geisha culture here on YT (for example, BBC's "Geisha Girl"). Not about her specifically, but maybe you'll enjoy it.

[@ChromeColossus]

Asian Boss has a video from 5 months ago about her that you can watch!

[@gmj1169]

@@ChromeColossus hello, the Geisha 5 months ago was Teruha. The Geisha here is Seika.

[@SpammytheHedgehog]

She looks really really pretty. 🎎

[@user-vm6oz6wt5g]

I like how the geisha's use the red around the eyes but they all do it a little bit differently. It's pretty; I love it.

[@polishnorwegianandspanish9145]

Those videos are very interesting for me. I like them a lot. They are very informative and wonderful to watch.

[@AceFuzzLord]

8:40 I remember my mother telling me how when she learned from my grandfather that she would do something similar, but not a game. I think it was some small marbles or something hard to grasp she'd try to pick up. I never saw my grandpa use chopsticks before, but I'd like to think he'd have some clue since he was stationed in Japan for a while. This video is definitely informative and enjoyable on many levels And the only problem I have with chopsticks is even with all the time I've used them over the years my hands still get tense and hurt after prolonged use of even around 5-10 minutes

[@cactustactics]

Aww she's super nice - I can use chopsticks but I never really looked up how to do it, so I'm gonna try refining my technique because I'd definitely mess up that tofu!

[@Aletheia_soul]

The energy through the whole video was pretty nice and lighthearted(?, the geisha seemed to be very friendly, hope to see her in next videos

[@dganet]

That was fascinating but I much prefer using Chinese chopsticks as at least I can get some food in my mouth!!!! Really enjoyed the polite way to eat miso soup

[@chiccavaquita]

Hahahaha

[@koxonutboy]

Strangely enough, I found this quite pleasant. Thank you for sharing 😊

[@cindchan]

I knew about not moving food from one set of chopsticks to another. But I didn't know about some of the other rules regarding chopsticks. This was such an interesting video to watch! I use chopsticks from time to time, but since I have problems with my hands, I don't use them as much as I would like to.

[@aliddlebird]

I knew about not sticking the chopsticks into a bowl of rice, and I also knew about not passing food with chopsticks. But the rest I wasn't aware of. Thank you for helping me learn more ✨

[@shaider1982]

It would be funmy if Mr. Bean played the game mentioned at 8:29

[@TheCyberMantis]

Very nice. I am happy to meet Seika. She is very charming and beautiful. I enjoy eating with chopsticks, and I am aware of the etiquette that goes along with it. It takes some skill to be proficient with them. The more you practice, the easier it is to use them. Itadakimasu!

[@kyungraeist]

omg i feel like ive seen this kimono before its so beautiful

[@sonictonic_]

This was lovely! :)

[@jonathantsoi2951]

...so basically i've been holding my chopsticks correctly my whole life. GOOD TO KNOW.

[@sweetcandysugaarmy8480]

How I use my chopsticks during a meal: lift the bowl of food to my lips and shovel everything into my mouth using the chopsticks. Geisha:"*gasp!* What a BARBARIAN!"

[@Panbaneesha]

I know how to use chopsticks a little bit, because I like to eat rice with them, but I really enjoyed this lesson. Thank you from Germany!

[@nad0862]

So interesting to watch this and learn about japenese culture. Thanks !!! Can you make one video about Geishas I'm from France and I would love to learn about them, we all have heard about Geishas but here we don't really know what they really do, how they become one, do they get married or have children ... ??

[@lazarocedeno5270]

Thanks for great video. Very helpful

[@nats_desu]

..I do enjoy this vid and at the same time a mind-blown - I do remembered all these tips and rules, thanks Asian Boss..

[@kadenceweimer7423]

I love this!

[@VerenaSatriani]

So this is the time to bettering my skill in using chopsticks :)

[@princerschannel7426]

Omg the song resembles the tune of konpira fune fune! a game from geisha ozashiki also!

[@whitetigerx8762]

A big thank you for the vid

[@LuLu-ii9vn]

Thank you!!! I struggle every time I need to use them. I guess I've made all mistakes until today 🤣🤣 well..time to practice!!!

[@brunettezprettyr4296]

So I dated a Vietnamese guy for two years, after that I couldn't stop using chopsticks. They're so practical!! His dad even complimented my chopstick use. 🤣

[@troubledknits]

I’m glad I’m not left handed 😅 it would be so difficult for my mom to learn how to use chopsticks since her right hand isn’t her dominant. She didn’t go to a school where they only taught students to write with their right hand Thank you for the tutorial. I’ve used chopsticks for a long time but never knew the complete appropriate way to use them

[@Momo-qo7is]

Very informative! Thanks

[@427skies]

Anime is how I started to use chopsticks in elementary school. 😂 But when I go to an Asian restaurant with my Asian friend, they give him chopsticks but not to me.

[@SystemBot]

that "Asian" restaurant you went to must not be very Asian then. Probably westernized asian restaurant.

[@cadrian777ADY]

Japanness peoples and women use very complicated way's...many times !! This is ather peoples cirisly aboute Jappanness peoples ! I THINK IS JUST TRADITIONAL LEARNIG WAY'S !!

[@kdefensemartialarts8097]

Thank you for your videos.

[@Id_k_]

Amazing!

[@Ferovka]

Great video! Thank you so much :)

[@Fann874]

Love her smile

[@fauxvier8519]

This was very charming!

[@humansarecrazybeing5730]

I learner to use chopstick after watching so many chinese dramas ,movies and variety show since childhood. Origin of chopstick is china and their culture is just too amazing.

[@Mrasianpopmusic]

please if you want to cover how to use chopsticks, please do all the verities, the Chinese ones and the Koreans ones as well

[@anonaustria924]

Cool to know it! Thx Asia Hugo Boss 😉

[@simplytotz7400]

I'm glad yellow teeth dominance is across the world. I'm not alone, lol. But yeah, they say yellow teeth are stronger and last longer if properly cared for.

[@user-ps1ue6vf3l]

This video teaches how to use chopstick in a traditional japanese style Me who really interests in their culture and currently studying japanese: wow thats sound nice! Geisha san: *firstly, grab your chopsticks with right hand* Me: oh… i failed since first step

[@lucyn331]

I've never been this early

[@user-tq9vs6fc9u]

Already know how to use them, but I might use this to train my other hand to use them 😆

[@sleepertalks]

Hey Asian Boss, Could you bring some coverage to the problem of international students, workers and couples stranded outside Japan for more than a year? I myself have been waiting for the entry ban lift since January and we have not even been given any timeline regarding the entry.

[@xxnike0629xx]

It definitely is useful to know how to use chopsticks. Granted you don't have to be as formal, but at least having some experience using it is good. In some sense, using (for example) a typical spoon and fork might seem almost barbaric in that you often pretty much look like you're shoveling the food into your mouth.

[@Delores999]

I like this.

[@hothotpot8596]

I used training chopsticks with the three rubber rings to make it easier for me when I was younger, it somehow broke so I had to learn using normal chopsticks. I'm not sure how Italians will react if they knew I eat spaghetti and pizza with chopsticks

[@catsarkioja7423]

As a swede I am extremely proud of already knowing and following all of these etiquette rules. I find that making an extra effort to respect the culture often gives back so much more in the experience!

[@TokyoDallas]

I was thinking, that this looks like a place I used to pass every day near my old apartment. Then I saw the name of the place and... it is!

[@bobby3003]

Masterclass :))

[@dionna714]

Ok but, what if you're left handed?? Am I automatically bad at etiquette😭🤣

[@badabingbadaboom7429]

remember seeing that red bean game in hatori lol

[@shashidharshettar3846]

I’m an Indian living in USA, I’m fortunate to say that all My 3- kids know how to use chopsticks.

[@oceanmango]

I wish I had been taught as a kid😭 i’m a Japanese major planning to study abroad next year, and I still struggle to use them

[@RiteshAcharya]

I read it as "A real life Asian" and I was so angry 😭😭

[@cadrian777ADY]

Thanks ASIA BOSS , LIKE ALL UR VIDEOS ! Like this GHEISHA TRADITIONAL chopsticks !Hard to use for me...Hehehe i-m europe people ! LIKE THIS VIDEO ! Thanks again !

[@akiof9736]

The geisha in this video is sort of funny 😂 literally

[@jackpeipei820730]

I love Japanese tofu.😍😍😍

[@sou_theslytherin5203]

I thought all the chopsticks were the same. I just found that Japanese chopsticks are sharp. This video is really educational...

[@yejiaaa9255]

wow Mr. Bean came from azuki beans!! those are my favorite _AND_ i love Mr. Bean!!

[@SystemBot]

wait you mean there's no sword fights with chopsticks over food?

[@pauldwalker]

no, but you can have chopstick fights over food with your kids where the winner is determined by who gets the food in their mouth first. (keep it in the family with your kids, it’s quite rude, if good fun)

[@xianxiii3029]

Mulan will remember this.

[@allinonechanneltn5392]

とても美しい。 だから日本人が一番