“Enryo no katamari”

At formal Japanese gatherings, the last piece of sushi will languish on the plate long after its fellows have been snapped up. Everyone has their eye on it, but no one makes the move. 

Japanese social convention dictates the diners hold back. And so the raw fish delicacy slowly curls up its toes until it is cleared away from the table.

Other cultures recognise the impasse, holding back before swooping on the last morsel. Etiquette demands at least the charade of offering it to others first.

The Japanese have an expression for this culinary conundrum: enryo no katamari, or the heap of hesitation. Enryo carries with it the meaning of mannerly restraint out of consideration for others.

The Japanese are not alone in naming it. The Spanish call it el de la vergüenza. The Dutch Schaambrokje. Both languages highlight the shame the small object of desire inspires.

English however has no equivalent. But then we do consider it impolite to talk with a mouthful.