This article explores the Japanese perspective on finishing food, etiquette rules for eating in Japan, how to respectfully handle unfinished food in Japan, and whether or not it’s considered rude to not finish your food in Japan. In Japanese culture, it is seen as a sign of respect to finish all of your food and leaving food unfinished can be seen as disrespectful or ungrateful. There are etiquette rules that should be followed when dining in Japan such as using chopsticks for rice and noodles, not speaking with a full mouth, and thanking those who have prepared the meal before leaving the table. If one cannot finish their food due to being full or simply not liking the taste of something, there are ways to handle this situation respectfully such as offering what remains politely to someone else at the table or taking some home with you. Not finishing one's food can bring bad luck according to traditional Japanese culture and restaurants may charge extra fees if meals are left unfinished.