Otoshi

Otoshi is a term used in Japanese to denote several different ideas, depending on context. In general, it derives from the verb otosu, meaning “to drop” or “to fall,” and the noun form otoshi. In everyday language, otoshi appears in compounds related to dropping or something that drops, and it also shows up in phrases such as otoshimono for “lost property.”

One of the most widely recognized uses of the term is in the hospitality industry. Otoshi (often written お通し) refers to a small appetizer served to guests soon after they are seated in many izakaya and casual restaurants. The dish is usually prepared by the chef and presented before the main courses. In some establishments it is complimentary or included in the price, while in others it may be charged as a separate course. The contents of an otoshi vary by season and restaurant and can include items such as small salads, pickles, tofu, or sashimi.

Beyond dining, otoshi functions as a general noun meaning “a drop” or “a thing that has dropped,” appearing in multiple compound terms and everyday phrases. The exact kanji and reading can shift with context, and otoshi can also appear in names or regional references in some cases.

Otoshi thus spans both a linguistic sense related to dropping and a cultural dining practice that marks the early moment of a meal in many Japanese eateries.