^ Tomoko and Yuri, Tomoko and Asuka, Yuri and Mako, Mako and Yoshida, and a couple of improbable triangles and an unthinkable foursome. Seems like there's someone for every combination.
Japanese people use the little dish to taste what they're cooking instead of straight from the spoon (like I do, damn my lazy ass). Less chance of germ transfer that way and such.