Oshibori  Service

       What is Oshibori?

When you go in a coffee shop or restaurant in Japan, you will receive a glass of water or hot green tea at once.  At the same time, you will be given a small damp towel.  This is what we call Oshibori.   Oshibori is handed out so that you can wipe your hands and your face if you like.  I like to put a hot Oshibori on the back of my neck~     Oshibori is hot or cold depending on the season.

I think Oshibori  is one of  Japan's proud services.  Imagine that you are sweating in hot  humid weather... when you get in a cafe, a waitress gives you a cold wet towel.     I know how you will feel with the towel.  Oshibori is often rolled or folded and given to the customer on some kind of tray.

Oshibori has long been considered a traditional custom in Japan.  JAL, Japan Airlines, started giving Oshibori in 1959.   I heard that the service is given on most  airplane flights to and from Japan, and now it is getting wider acceptance outside of Japan, right?

However, there are some controversies about the custom recently.   Some people started to say that those Oshibori were not very hygienic since the Ecoli bacteria incidents happened in Osaka. Today, some people suspect that some Oshibori are washed but not sterilized sometimes.  Thus, we have used more disposable paper towel nowadays.

Even though we know that Oshibori is not completely hygienic, we still love the Oshibori custom. It really makes us relaxed and we feel warmth and kindness from the hospitality.

I should give Oshibori to you when you come to my house !!!   

..... If you get Ecoli bacteria from my Oshibiri,  I will laugh!