293294 Fri Jun 27 15:25:05 -0700 2003 4 27 General Chowhounding Topics 0 1604263 Here's a random question: Last night in a sushi restaurant, we were given steaming towels prior to ordering. Someone at my table asked aloud if it was appropriate to not only wipe the hands, but the face as well. Anyone know what is the correct handling of the hand towel? Fri Jun 27 15:25:05 -0700 2003 0 emilsw 1 1604270 My understanding is that, while you might notice a Japanese person use it for more than the hands from time to time, it is considered impolite to do so. It's for the hands. Fri Jun 27 16:06:22 -0700 2003 1604263 0 Karl S. 1 1604276 Is it further impolite to use a chopstick to stir the sugar in your tea? Fri Jun 27 16:19:52 -0700 2003 1604263 0 Shoeman 2 1604277 Yes, but it is fine to use your chopsticks to catch a fly. Fri Jun 27 16:22:45 -0700 2003 1604276 0 swingline 2 1604300 Japanese tea is not meant to have sugar in it! And never pass something from chopsticks to chopsticks. Always put it on a plate or something and let the other person pick it up with their chopsticks. Passing it from chopsticks to chopsticks is considered very bad luck in Japan, where they used to pass ashes of the deceased that way. Fri Jun 27 19:30:05 -0700 2003 1604276 0 Natalie