Emily: Hi Sam, I heard you just came back from your trip to Japan! How was it?
Sam: Oh, it was fantastic, Emily! The food was amazing, but I had to learn a lot about their eating customs and etiquette.
Emily: Really? What kind of customs did you have to follow?
Sam: Well, for starters, they have this thing called "itadakimasu," which is like saying grace before a meal. It's a way of showing appreciation for the food and the people who prepared it.
Emily: That sounds lovely. Did you have to do anything else before eating?
Sam: Yes, they also have a custom of not sticking your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice. It's considered rude because it resembles a funeral ritual.
Emily: I had no idea! What about during the meal?
Sam: Oh, they have a lot of rules for that too! Like, slurping your noodles is totally acceptable and even seen as a compliment to the chef.
Emily: Interesting! Were there any other customs you had to be mindful of?
Sam: Yeah, they prefer you to finish all the food on your plate as a sign of appreciation to the host. Leaving food behind can be seen as disrespectful.
Emily: Wow, there's so much to remember! Did you find it challenging to follow all these customs?
Sam: At first, it was a bit overwhelming, but once I got the hang of it, it became second nature. Plus, it was a great way to show respect for their culture.
Emily: I'm glad you had such a positive experience, Sam. Thanks for sharing all these interesting customs with me!
Sam: Anytime, Emily! If you ever plan on visiting Japan, I'll make sure to give you a crash course in Japanese dining etiquette!
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