Hello, this is NIFS!
2008-08-08

[Cultural Seed of Knowledge - Japanese table manners - How to hold dishes]

◆When food is brought to the table, the lids of dishes should be removed and placed upside down on the table, etc., and not on the tray.
After the meal, the lids should be replaced.
The order of eating is soup, rice and side dishes.
This order of eating should be repeated throughout the meal.
For all kinds of dishes, basically, one should use one’s chopsticks to carry one mouthful-size of food at a time.
◆When holding a dish (bowl) the thumb should not reach into the inside of the dish (bowl).

[Nara Lifestyle Guide / Nursing Care Insurance]
http://www.nifs.or.jp/mobile/eng/guide/healthcare/healthcare06.html

[Seasonal Life Tips / Staying cool in summer]

＊A “yoshizu” is a blind made from reeds.
It is light and inexpensive and is used during the summer as a sun shade.
(Can be purchased at supermarkets and home center stores.)

＊A “teion shippu” is a handy-type cool pad which can be chilled in a fridge and used repeatedly.
It is effective for about 10 hours.
Brand names include “Ice-non” and “Hie-pita” and can be purchased at supermarkets, and pharmacies.

＊“Air conditioner + fan” If you use a fan with an air conditioner you can feel up to 2 degrees cooler.