Tonight we had a fun dinner with one of Josh’s students, his wife (the student’s, not my brother’s), and sister-in-law. As we sat crossed-legged on the floor around a low table, we swapped stories and details about life in Japan and the US over little dishes that seemed to be of Italian persuasion under the influence of a Japanese chef. It was a good meal and good company. And, for the second time in Japan so far, we were asked if we are able to use chopsticks. As someone who has been using chopsticks since childhood, naturally I find this question strange. In my mind it’s like asking, do you know how to tie your shoes? But I suppose it is a fair question, considering that most of the population in the US regularly uses forks instead. Do you know how to use chopsticks?