November 28, 2012
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Itadakimasu.
'Itadakimasu', simply meaning ‘I humbly receive’, is what Japanese people would always say when they are about to eat or drink. It's the one thing that I always hear when I’m in japan, and yet, it always manages to surprise me when I hear it is spoken out loud by someone sitting across from me or beside me at a dining table, for I’m yet used to such practice of etiquette.
Being back in japan has always been one of my travel goals. Now that I’m back, there is not one moment where I didn’t appreciate the fact that I was once again able to hunt for food of Japan that I love so much. It can be anywhere; the basement halls of train stations where one may find choices of shops, cafes and restaurants, the basement level of a department store building where one may find tons of food stands and a supermarket, the small street alleys where one may find teeny tiny basement bars, cafes, and restaurants, or the many street side convenient shops and beverage vending machines. ALL are good places to hunt for that authentic eating or drinking experience that you just can't get at home.
One thing I learned in japan when it comes to etiquette is that one does NOT eat or drink while walking. You don’t see people walking around munching or drinking something. When they want to, they would stop at some eatery place or a convenient shop or street side vending machine to do so. When they are done, then they would continue on walking. This is why it’s so damn hard to locate a trashcan on the streets of japan. The same etiquette applies for talking on the phone. NOBODY uses his or her phone while walking. They would step aside and stop somewhere to finish their conversation or texting before they continue on their journey. They even refrain from talking on their cell phone on the bus or train. They are definitely the quietest people I know. And I love them for it.
Though their etiquette is far different from one that I’m accustomed to, I can't help but to love their way of appreciating food. To say ‘itadakimasu’ is equivalent to saying grace. To be thankful for what you about to receive and to be polite to those whom you are dining with. I learned pretty quickly that though the portions of food in japan is far smaller than most international cuisines, their array of choices of accompaniments included in many meals is far more satisfying than just a single large portion of a dish. Another aspect of Japanese cuisine that I appreciate.
For a week and a half I was spoiled beyond belief. Meals alone worth the hassles and exhaustion of a business trip. Not one meal was too much or too little. They always seemed just right. Portion wise, choices wise, flavor wise, and experience wise. I refuse to believe that it was just a typical excitement one gets when traveling. I know now, after several trips to this nation of the rising sun, that I always feel giddy, joyous, and child-like when I’m in japan. And I never feel that same way when I travel to any other country. So, now whenever I find myself sitting in a Japanese restaurant back home and about to eat, I would quietly say to myself ‘itadakimasu’. Just as a quick jog down the memory lane on what it feels like being in japan.
Some of the fruits of my culinary adventures in this past trip:
Comments (17)
Glad to read you had a good time. Yes, things like "not eating while walking" or "not talking on the phone in public" is something that irritated me beyond belief in Vienna. People would eat the smelliest food on the subway and blare their life stories out on their cell phones. Argh!!!!
Sounds like you had a good time. I get upset with hearing someone conversation on their cell phone while I am trying to sit and enjoy a meal. I do not eat and walk. We have time to enjoy life but for some they don't take advantage of it.
I am drooling over all your "mini food porn"....the graphic designs on those packages are so cute, I just can't help but want them all!
I am from Taiwan, and people eat/drink while walking all the time. It took me a while to learn to do that in US while in public, but I still do it every now and then. It saves a lot of time and I don't really care about social norms/etiquette when I don't think it's harming anyone.
@beowulf222 - People are allowed to eat and drink while in Vienna?
@Wangium - Unfortunately yes. I cannot describe the "delight" if someone gets on the bus/tram/subway at 7 something with a Döner Kebab and a can of Red Bull. Makes me want to throw up.
I am glad you have such a wonderful appreciation for Japanese culture and their etiquette. I think many ethnic groups in the East have similar sayings of grace or blessings invoked just before starting their meals. We say Bismillah, in Arabic before starting our meals... starting with God's name Who is merciful and beneficient.
I was able to recognize some foods, but most of them I had to guess.
Japan is a fascinating country with an interesting culture. The things you've written about are the same ones that I so enjoy when visiting there.
Your comment about the smaller portion sizes reminds me of why American cuisine is so much less satisfying that food from most other countries including Japan and France: Americans substitute quantity for quality, which is never as satisfying. The result? Americans eat huge portions of mediocre food.
Interesting
Love the write up and the pictures!
They are much smaller portions, but way more varieties, it's interesting how priorities are different.
It's like the country itself, smaller and in some ways more diverse than the USA, which is so vast, yet similar coast to coast.
Your entry carried me away to Japan - thank you. I remember little things like people lining up for buses and trains.
A visit to Japan is still in my bucket list. It's just hella expensive
It's fascinating to learn things like that that are unique to certain cultures. In Mexico a lot of times if you are eating in a restaurant and another couple or group of people are walking past your table, or leaving the restaurant they will say to you "Provecho" which is like Bon apetit.
Yet if someone would do that in Canada to complete strangers, the people eating or about to eat would think it is a little odd. I would love to go to Japan one day. I absolutely love the Japanese cuisine and I can only imagine it's a gazillion times better in Japan than the rest of the world. With so much culture and the history I would just love the country, about the only thing I think I wouldn't enjoy is the population. I can't imagine how a country so small can manage to fit over 120 million people !
I like their customs ! Not talking on the phone and walking is such a great idea. So many people are so zoned out on their phones and they are not paying any attention to anything, it's really rather dangerous. I'm glad that you are enjoying your trip so much and that you've got to taste such wonderful cuisine from many different places there. Take care and have an awesome weekend, bye for now.
Kyle
Really lovely post. And I must comment that your writing was so good that I read it really quickly.
I've never been to Japan but base don everyone's expereience there, I know I will be in for a very unique experience.
Thanks for the insight into their culture
@beowulf222 - i think this applies to many countries all over the world, including mine. which is why i love japan to the core.
@Fatcat723 - that's very true. most of us get caught up in the idea of 'time is money' and so loose touch with appreciating the little things in life.
@CurryPuffy - i know what you mean. there were tons of them that i have yet to try. i wanted them ALL. but my stomach could only hold so much and time was limited. sigh...
@Wangium - yeah, i do it myself from time to time, jason. but usually only when i'm in a hurry. it's never been a problem for me as it's what EVERYONE does here in indonesia.
@ZSA_MD - i've been there enough times to notice and appreciate some of their habits and etiquettes, which would be good if can be applied outside japan. yes, i'm familiar with the saying 'Bismillah', as many use it here in indonesia. thank you so much for the rec, zakiah
@christao408 - yes i noticed that too when i was living in the states. people are more into the idea of 'value for money' but mostly means bigger size. my eating habit automatically changed when i lived there. i ate more than i could possibly eat now a days. thanks for the rec, chris.
@XtremePsionic - you are so right. i take it you've been there before. i've been there 5 times now and still can't get enough of it. thank you so much for stopping by and for the rec. much appreciated
@ElusiveWords - i'm glad i'm able to do that for you. when was the last time you were in japan, matt?
@oxyGENE_08 - yes, it can be. but it's not impossible to have a trip to japan on a budget. but yes, the exchange rate wise for us south east asian countries what makes everything there seem expensive.
@kyle061685 - 'provecho'. hhmm... interesting. yes, you would love it there in japan. it may be a small country but it never seem chaotic to me. not even in the biggest cities such as tokyo and osaka. they are very organized and likes everything convenient and do things by the book. this is why i find the country so friendly.
@stepaside_loser - you very welcome, andrew. and thank you for commenting on my writing. much appreciated. i always do my best to write the way i would want to read it.
I am conflicted about Japan now that I am divorced from my Japanese wife. I suppose sometimes I get the urge to say Itadakimasu before eating and saying gochisosama after finishing.
I know the Japanese drink a lot of alcoholic beverages and fortunately never have I drunk enough to lose control. I suppose you have done a lot of drinking?
glad you had fun and had such glorious food. I miss Japan, thanks for giving me some inspiration to go back again, like i needed it
@PPhilip - i don't drink much, phil. fortunately, my business associates respect my low tolerance for alcohol and so i never have to drink more than i can handle. usually one or two servings tops. glad to say i have never gotten drunk.
@NIMOnkey - you welcome, nimo. i plan to go back there myself. hopefully, in the near future.