Seiza Style

This post is dedicated to those who are interested in learning about how Japanese people sit when they're eating at a low table.

This style of sitting is called せいざ', when translated, literally means, 'sitting straight.'
Men usually sit this way with legs slightly spread apart and hands resting on their thighs, palms down, fingers facing each other, while women sit with legs touching and hands neatly folded in their laps.

This way of sitting is an ancient tradition, which started when the Japanese held tea ceremonies long ago.
Most foreigners or elderly people cannot sit Seiza, because of knee prohibitions. The Japanese were taught to sit this way from a very young age, so their muscles are familiar with the position. It takes much practice and patience to sit this way without blood circulation being cut off.

Foreigners usually feel discomfort within the first few minutes of sitting Seiza, usually beginning with numbness and burning pains. Then, when the foreigners get out of Seiza position, they feel that pins & needles sensation and find it hard to walk,

I've been training myself since last night to sit like this and keep composure, and it doesn't prove to be that hard (I lasted 12 minutes on my first try)
My record is 16 minutes, and I will keep practicing until I don't feel pain anymore.

For those who can't sit Seiza, there is a position many are familiar with, Agura, which is basically sitting with the legs crossed. It is considered informal for the Japanese to sit like this, but foreigners and the elderly are an exception.

That's all for this post!
Love you all!
-M

Seiza...

                                                                                       Agura....