Once upon a time, a ray of sunshine ☀️ fell on a tiny plant 🌱. Day by day, the plant grew, nurtured by the soil 🌍, water 💧, and the love of a farmer 👩🌾. That plant—perhaps a carrot 🥕 or a grain of rice 🍚—became food for an animal 🐄, continuing the cycle of life under the blue sky.
The farmer harvested the fruits of their labor 🧺, a truck driver carried them to market 🚛, and there, they were chosen by careful hands 👋. Eventually, in a restaurant kitchen 👨🍳 or a traditional Japanese home 🏠, these ingredients were transformed into a delicious meal 🍱. And just before tasting the first bite… hands come together, heads bow, and one says: Itadakimasu 🙏. That moment doesn’t just begin the meal—it begins a moment of gratitude and respect for the journey of life that brought the food to your table.
The Japanese expression 「いただきます」 (Itadakimasu) comes from the humble verb 「いただく」 (itadaku), meaning “to receive” or “to accept.” In the context of eating, it’s commonly translated as “I humbly receive” or “Thank you for this food” 🙇♂️. It’s said before meals and reflects a deep sense of appreciation for the food and the people who prepared it 🧡.
Itadakimasu is more than just etiquette; it’s deeply rooted in Buddhist 🧘 and Shinto ⛩️ philosophies. Saying “Itadakimasu” honors the lives of plants and animals that gave themselves for nourishment 🐟🌾, and thanks everyone involved in producing and preparing the meal—from farmers to cooks 👨🌾👩🍳. The practice emphasizes the interconnectedness of all living things 🌏 and a deep respect for nature 🍃.
In Japanese culture 🇯🇵, values like gratitude and respect are taught from an early age 👶. Children learn to say “Itadakimasu” before every meal, reinforcing the importance of not wasting food and appreciating the effort behind each dish 🍛. This practice aligns with the concept of “mottainai” ♻️—a feeling of regret over waste and encouragement to use resources responsibly 🌍.
In Japanese Buddhist temples 🛕, gratitude before meals is expressed through the Five Reflections (Gokan no Ge). These reflections invite mindfulness about the origins of the food 🍽️, one’s behavior 💭, and the need to eat free from greed, anger, and ignorance 🙏. It’s a ritual that nourishes both body and spirit 🧘♀️.
Although Itadakimasu has traditional roots, its spirit is very much alive in modern Japanese society 🏙️. In schools, companies, and even on TV shows, the gesture is still practiced. Many people feel that saying Itadakimasu isn’t just about manners—it’s a way to cultivate daily mindfulness and appreciation 🌈.
Outside Japan, some have even adopted this practice as a form of mindful eating 🌍💡. A tiny phrase with a big message, Itadakimasu invites us to pause and recognize the effort, life, and energy behind our food. Simple but powerful 💫.
After meals, people in Japan say 「ごちそうさまでした」 (Gochisousama deshita), meaning “thank you for the meal” 💬. This complements “Itadakimasu” and completes the cycle of gratitude 🔁, acknowledging the effort and care behind the food 🧡.
In a fast-paced world where meals are often rushed and gratitude overlooked, Itadakimasu reminds us to slow down 🕊️. It’s a moment of stillness—where we acknowledge not only the food before us, but the invisible hands, elements, and lives that made it possible 🌾☀️🐟👩🍳.
So next time you sit down to eat, whether it’s a bento box in Tokyo 🍱, a bowl of ramen abroad 🍜, or a homemade dish at your kitchen table 🍽️—pause. Bring your hands together. Smile. And say with sincerity:
Itadakimasu 🙏
