Ever wondered about the meaning of the most important Japanese expressions for meal?
Clapping hands together. “Itadakimasu!”
This is an aspect of the Japanese culture which is well-known and loved by many. Simply ask any of our students for the reason of coming to Japan, one can easily get the answer “Because I love the Japanese culture”. And one beautiful aspect of culture is certainly the consideration Japanese people have for their meals.
Generations after generations, they are taught to clap their hands together and say “Itadakimasu!” before savouring the delicious-looking food in front of their eyes. “Itadakimasu” can be translated into “I humbly receive”. Children learn the expression from a very young age at school and no one can even think of starting a meal while others have not received yet their share. Somehow roughly translated by “Let’s eat!” in the Western culture, itadakimasu has its origin rooted in Japanese ancient history.