Don't Pour Your Own Drink in Japan

I think it is an interesting custom in Japan to never pour your own drink if you are sharing a bottle of sake or tea when out eating with friends or family.  It is considered very rude.  If you want more to drink, like Sake for example, you ask those with only a little Sake in their cup, if they would like more and they, in turn, should then check to see if you would like more. It is a roundabout way to get what you want, but it does ensure you are looking out for others as well.

I went out to lunch with a friend at a Japanese restaurant the other day and I found myself pouring tea for myself and it felt weird for a moment, but then I remembered I was in the United States, phew!