This is a HOSHINOYA MADE IN JAPAN Radio. Episode 5 "itadakimasu" and bowing.

Wellcome to the HOSHINOYA MADE IN JAPAN Radio. Today I would like to talk about “itadakimasu” and bowing as it relates to the sprit of Japan.

Before beginning a meal, people in Japan say “itadakimasu.”
There is no easy translation for this.
It does not mean simply, “I am going to eat.”
It is an expression of appreciation for the meal.
It shows appreciation to the host, the cook, and all of those who grew and prepared the ingredients.
Many people were involved in making this one meal.
Saying “itadakimasu” acknowledges one’s indebtedness to them.
At the end of the meal, people say “gochisosama.”
It is an expression of gratitude to the host or to whoever prepared the meal.
In English, one might say,
“thank you for the delicious meal.”
On one level, it is directed to one person.
On another level, it is directed to all of the people who in some way made the meal possible.
Bowing is Japan’s traditional gesture of respect.
It is used to show consideration for others during introductions, greetings and farewells.
But bowing too deeply is as bad as not bowing deeply enough.
An informal bow is about 15 degrees for people of all ranks.
To make a formal bow, a person bends forward at an angle of about 30 degrees.
Bowing is also used with — or in place of — a spoken greeting, a request, an apology, or an expression of thanks.

That's all for today.

Please follow the HOSHINOYA MADE IN JAPAN Radio..

See you soon.