Traditional Japanese meals involve seated on a tatami mat in the Seiza position, with dining tables rectangular and the host and guest of honor seated in the middle.
Oshibori
Restaurants may provide Oshibori wet hand towels for cleaning hands before eating, but not for wiping mouth, chopsticks, or accidental spills.
Saying thanks
In traditional family meals, start eating when the elder begins, then humbly partake by placing palms together in Namaste and saying 'Ita-daki-masu'.
Eating with chopsticks
Japanese chopsticks are pointed and rounded, used for delicate food like sushi and noodles. Arrange sideways, honoring food as a gift from the gods. Avoid raising food above mouth.
No hands except when sushi
Avoid picking up food or crumbs with fingers, except for sushi. Flip sushi for dipping in soy sauce. For a 'fiery' taste, dab sushi in wasabi and soy sauce.