Q.

How come Japanese people leave behind a small portion of food when dining together?

A.

The answer to this question is related to the culture of "kiwotsukau" (to avoid claiming what you really want by putting others first).

Most of the time, everyone is waiting for other people (especially elderly people, or the youngest ) to finish first. Also, people feel bad claiming the last portion without offering it to other people first.

Because of these two things, food will be left until the very last moment when one person is encouraged to finish it.

What do you think about this culture?

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