【Reading】しもて

【English Name】Shimote / Shitate / Heta

Shimote/Shitate/Heta is a polysemous word with multiple readings—"shimote," "shitate," and "heta"—each with a different meaning.

When read "shimote," it indicates the lower part of a position or direction. As a stage term, it refers to the left side as seen from the audience, corresponding to "stage right" in English. In Japanese spatial etiquette, the side near the entrance or doorway is the shimote, positioned opposite the seat of honor. Even at a sushi counter, awareness of kamite and shimote can come into play in relation to one's position vis-à-vis the head chef.

When read "heta," it means a state of insufficient mastery of a skill or action. "Te" (hand) carries the nuance of skill or ability, and "shimo/ge" (lower) expresses that ability falls short. In the world of sushi chefs as well, it is a common expression used when describing the skill or lack thereof in forming nigiri or wielding the knife.

"Shitate" is a sumo term referring to the posture of grasping the belt from the inside of the opponent's arm. It is also used in the names of winning techniques such as shitate-nage (underarm throw) and shitate-hineri (underarm twist down). In go and shogi as well, the player of lesser skill is called the "shitate," referring to the side receiving a handicap such as dropped pieces or handicap stones.