Let’s learn what to say before and after a meal in Japan. It is also as a sign as gratitude towards the person who cooked for us, for the ingredients he/she carefully selected, as well as a sign of appreciation for the agricultural or animal products that are on our plate. “Itadakimasu,” meaning “I humbly receive it,” is what we say before starting the meal as a sign of gratitude towards all that was involved in the realization of what we have in front of our eyes. “Go-chiso-sama-deshita” literally meaning “I was treated with a meal,” are the words to express gratitude at the end of the meal.

It is nothing like a religious doctrine. But it is true that in Japan a lot of people think to be protected by the gods, not one supreme God but all the deities. Consider these two expressions as a sign of gratitude towards any deities, and everything that surrounds us in nature.

So, from now on, ITADAKIMASU before your meal and GO-CHISO-SAMA-DESHITA afterwards!