In the culture of WASYOKU, there are two Japanese customs that make people, especially foreigners surprised, “make slurping noise when you eat” and “hold the bowl when you eat”.
These are actually bad manners in many countries.

Make noise when you eat

Generally, when Japanese eat noodles like ramen, udon, and soba, we make slurping noise when we put it into mouth.
However, many countries don’t have this custom. When they visit Japan for the first time, they feel surprised or think of it as a bad manner.
Even this custom is good in Japan, many foreigners hesitate to do it.
Not only because it is surprising, but also it’s hard for them to accept the custom of noise making while having a meal.

Hold bowl while eating

It depends on meal, but everyday, Japanese hold a bowl within their hand while they are eating.
For example, at breakfast, when we have miso soup or rice, we hold the bowl in our hand. Also, even when we drink tea, we hold the teacup in our hand.
Moreover, when we serve Japanese food on flat dish, we sometimes hold the dish while we eat and sip the food out of the dish.
Moreover, when we serve Japanese food on flat dish, we sometimes hold the dish while we eat and sip the food out of the dish.
This custom is also a bad manner in many countries.