Thanks, appreciation, gratitude. These are all words that come to mind when Minami Hirayama, a graphic designer from Japan currently living in Denmark, describes the Japanese word いただきます (itadakimasu).
In the Japanese culture, Minami tells us that itadakimasu is a word used to show appreciation before a meal, not only for a person who has cooked for you, but also to give thanks to nature for providing nourishment. When Minami left Japan for the first time to study English in England, she began to realize the impact that the word and tradition had on her.
She tells us,
“Japanese people have been taught to say this word just before we eat since we were very small. Often we will put our palms together in front of our mouth like we are praying. I loved living there and getting to know local people. However, I couldn’t get used to not saying Itadakimasu before the meal.”
When she sat down at the table to eat for the first time in her new home, she remembers feeling like something was missing. It just didn’t feel right for her. So, before meals, she began to silently say itadakimasu to herself, giving thanks to the people and nature that provided her meal.
Wherever she travels, Minami always begins a meal with thanks. Now living in Copenhagen, she proudly shares this important custom with her community; meals with her partner and friends begin with a communal itadakimasu. Although the tradition may be small, this single word allows her to feel at home no matter how far from Japan she actually is.
Minami invites you to do the same before your next meal by taking a moment to show appreciation for nature and the person who cooked (even if it was you).
This article is part of DIMMI Digest: Together. Of all the things that language has the ability to do, the one we are most grateful for is community. After all, it’s what we are all here for in the first place, isn’t it? Because of language, we are able to share experiences, ideas, and stories to make our communities a better place. It is language that brings us together, builds us up, and supports us. And most importantly, it is what allows us to give thanks and appreciation for those we love.
