JAPANESE WORDS THAT ENGLISH NEEDS, 3

Itadakimasu — a Japanese Expression of Gratitude

It’s more than just a before-meal word

I grew up in an old-fashioned household. When we gathered for our nightly formal dinners, we quietly waited for all the family members to be seated, then my father would lead us in what we called “Grace,” the Catholic prayer of blessing and thanks for the food.

This sort of lovely custom is familiar to people of many religions and countries. Japan is no exception.