Ogasawara School of Etiquette: Question and Answers

Ogasawara School of Etiquette: Question and Answers

Q: What is Ogasawara School of Etiquette?

A: Ogasawara School of Etiquette is the traditional Japanese "samurai warrior class manners.
Starting with archery and horsemanship, they have developed their teachings through 800 years of long history.
→ The Ogasawara School of Etiquette

Q: What is the soul of Ogasawara?

A: Ogasawara School of Etiquette tend to be misunderstood by the majority.
But their most important rules are thoughtful consideration and harmony of mind and soul.
Also, their ideas are very rational.
→ The Soul of Ogasawara

Q: Are we not allowed to step on the borders of tatami mats?

A: It is best not to step on the borders but it is permitted.
Let's not get too stiff caring too much about not stepping on the borders.
→Are We Not Allowed To Step On the Borders of Tatami Mats?

Q: How can we bow beautifully?

A: With your back straight, bend your upper body forward breathing out, then breathe in when you come to a stop, and inhale once more as you return to your initial posture.
→ How To Bow

Q: What is the formal way of opening the fusuma?

A: In the old times, there were three steps to open a fusuma.
But today, in everyday life, a simple "excuse me" before entering would suffice.
→Etiquette for Opening and Closing Fususma

Q: What are the taboos when using chop sticks?

A: We should not rake in food with our mouths attached to rice bowls or plates.
Also, we should not draw near plates with chop sticks.
There are many taboos we should keep in mind.
→ Taboo: Forbidden Behavior with Chopsticks. Are You Aware of It?

Q: Where should we sit in a Japanese style room?

A: Upper seat and lower seat are determined by the disposition of the tokonoma (alcove).
At general visits, sit by the side of tokonoma.
→ Upper Seat and Lower Seat

Q: What is the Japanese custom of gift giving ?

A: The main characteristic of Japanese gift giving is it's packages (orikata) and ties (musubi).
By using these elements, we design the "form" (katachi) and create the "form" of receiving.
→ "Orikata and Musubi"

Q: How were traditional samurai warrior's weddings held?

A: A ritual called "san-san-kudo" were held as Ogasawara's warrior class wedding ceremony.
Its simplified form still remains today.
Essentially, it was a very simple ceremony held with just the two (bride and bridegroom), deepening their promise.
→ The Business of Ogasawara School of Etiquette
→ Betrothal Presents and Weddings

Q: What is the formal way of burning incense at Japanese funerals?

A: The ways of burning incense depends on each religious groups therefore, its ways varies.
Ogasawara considers that just once is good enough.
A solemn consideration of keeping the alter beautiful and pure is the most important thing than its ways.
→ Heart of Funerals