This is one of the few words that I cannot find a counterpart in any other language. ITA-DAKI-MASU is a word we all have to say in Japan before eating something. It is literally the nice and humble way of saying "I will eat it". This word itself can be used for other situations such as when given a present, meaning "I will take it", or by putting it after other passive verbs, it will mean "A pleasure to be able to do".
Anyway, who are we saying ITADAKIMASU to before eating?
Directly it will be to the person who cooked the food for us. Secondly it will be toward the food itself.
But the word also indicates grace to the farmers and fishers who prepared the ingredients, and in a broad sense mother nature who let us have enough food to eat. Our parents will tell us to thank the farmers who prepared the rice before eating, and will scold us for leaving a few grains of rice left in the bowl.
I feel so startled when my friends from other countries start eating without saying anything. So if you are in Japan, please join us with ITADAKIMASU. And even if you are living in other countries, how about starting an ITADAKIMASU movement?
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