Mad Chopstick Skillz

[Iraira]

School to test chopstick skills
TOKYO, Japan (AP) -- Math whizzes and other prodigies need not apply unless they can demonstrate dexterity with a pair of chopsticks under new entrance requirements announced by a Japanese girls' school on Wednesday.

Successful applicants to the Hisatagakuen Sasebo Girls' High School in south Japan must be able to transfer marbles, beads and beans from one plate to another using just a pair of chopsticks, Kyodo News agency reported citing the school's principal Junko Hisata.

The test aims to judge applicants' lifestyle habits through their handling of chopsticks and must be taken by all candidates -- aged 15 or 16 years -- starting with those wishing to enroll in April, the start of Japan's academic year, the report said.

The high school caters to girls aged 16-18 years.

The move comes amid concerns that Japanese youth are losing touch with their traditional culinary culture and table manners.

Youngsters increasingly wolf down burgers and fried chicken instead of the fish, rice and miso soup of their grandparents' generation.

Flower arrangement and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony are also part of the required curriculum at Hisatagakuen, founded in 1902 and known for its emphasis on discipline.

http://edition.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/01/10/japan.chopsticks.ap/index.html

I suppose the winner gets automatic admission to Todai or something.

[Uhhuh35]

Over the years I've gained a mastery of waribashi and bamboo chopsticks but when it comes to those laquered kind....

[American Oyaji]

The laquered kind are actually easier to use IMO.

But you're a real chopstick bad ass if you can use those flat metal chopsticks that are used in Korea.

[GomiGirl]

But you're a real chopstick bad ass if you can use those flat metal chopsticks that are used in Korea.

Went to a Korean restaurant the other day and used those things - they are terrible. I understand how they can be considered cleaner etc and reusable but damn they are just awkward.

[amdg]

[American Oyaji]

Went to a Korean restaurant the other day and used those things - they are terrible. I understand how they can be considered cleaner etc and reusable but damn they are just awkward.

Yeah. They are awkward. Damn hard to use.

[Iraira]

Flower arrangement and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony are also part of the required curriculum at Hisatagakuen, founded in 1902 and known for its emphasis on discipline.

I'm intrigued by this emphasis on discipline....
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[kurohinge1]

But you're a real chopstick bad ass if you can use those flat metal chopsticks that are used in Korea.

Went to a Korean restaurant the other day and used those things - they are terrible. I understand how they can be considered cleaner etc and reusable but damn they are just awkward.

But they're so versatile - you can chase food around your plate with them at dinner, then kick-back on the sofa and knit a sweater with them afterwards.

[gomichild]

Went to a Korean restaurant the other day and used those things - they are terrible. I understand how they can be considered cleaner etc and reusable but damn they are just awkward.

They are good for dieting though. The theory is it takes so long to eat with them you end up eating less.