The first remarkable characters for both Saudi Arabia and Japan is table manner that is shared the similarities and dissimilarities . First, the Saudis and Japanese are similar in terms of praising food before and after they eat it . At the beginning of every meal the Saudis says " In the name of God" , and after finishing a meal ,they say " All praises to God." In Japan, Tanaka (2017) said that " Before we eat , we say itadakismasu which means our gratitude for the life having died to become our provision , a person who made the dish , and when we finish, we say Gochisousama, and it means the same thing ." Perhaps the most important part of table etiquette is that both countries have proper, yet different ways of eating. With respect to Japan, Tanaka (2017) states that the people do not talk while they are eating their meal. They eat the food which is served to them even when they do not like it, unless they have an allergy to a particular dish . Also, the Japanese use chopsticks to eat and pick up a small bowl to bring the food close to the mouth when they eat . This way they do not drop their heads down or drop food on the table. In contrast , the vast majority of Saudis use their right hand to pick up and eat the food while others use utensils such as a fork or spoon . Furthermore , if sharing a dish from large platter, they eat from what is in front of them , never reaching across the platter . Unlike the Japanese , the Saudi families do have conversation during meals . In addition , in both countries, young people finish their meals. However, even when the young people are finished eating ,they cannot leave the table until their elders are done with their meals . This a sign of respect for the elderly. Not only do Saudi Arabia and Japan have similarities and differences in dining etiquette ,but also with gift-giving.
Tanaka,A.(February 10,2017). Personal interview.university of California, Riverside.
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