Japanese school to test chopstick skills

Students need not apply to one Japanese high school unless they can demonstrate dexterity with a pair of chopsticks.

Successful applicants to the Hisatagakuen Sasebo Girls' High School in south Japan must be able to transfer marbles, beads and beans from one plate to another using just a pair of chopsticks, Kyodo News agency reported, citing the school's principal Junko Hisata.

New entrance requirements judge applicants' lifestyle habits through their handling of chopsticks. The exam must be taken by all applicants _ aged 15 or 16 years _ starting with those wishing to enroll in April, the start of Japan's academic year, the report said.

The high school caters to female students aged 16-18 years.

The move comes amid concerns that Japanese youth are losing touch with their traditional culinary culture and table manners.

Flower arrangement and a traditional Japanese tea ceremony are also part of the required curriculum at Hisatagakuen, founded in 1902 and known for its emphasis on discipline.