Savoring Japan: Discovering the Art of Gratitude and Generosity Through Itadakimasu – Admiral Travel International

Authored by Alexandria Hilton

Japan has recently been a focal point for many of us and we are certainly not alone. This location has captured the attention of numerous individuals, and for valid reasons, one of which is the Netflix documentary series Live to 100: Secrets of the Blue Zones, which showcases Okinawa as a region filled with individuals who inherently understand how to lead a lengthy, wholesome, and meaningful existence.

At times, I consider myself a bit of a lover of words and my fascination with Japanese culture clearly intersects with my passion for languages. In harmony with our theme of abundance for December here at the Admiral Travel Office and with cherished memories of our GCCC ATInsiders who just got back from Japan, I want to present to you a Japanese term.

Itadakimasu

A variation of “I humbly accept,” this expression is typically spoken aloud before dining. I discovered some references that liken Itadakimasu to the French “bon apetit.” At our dining table during my upbringing, someone often smiled, reclined in their chair, placed both hands on their stomach, and joyfully declared, “We eat!” as they swayed their shoulders up and down, chuckling lightly, if only to stave off drooling!

Therefore, my comprehension of this expression, at a basic level, resides somewhere in this realm.

However, as I contemplate the deeper implications of Itadakimasu, I recall a course I attended at university — one which others advised me wasn’t worth my time and not particularly engaging. I am realizing that the insights from others can sometimes be profoundly helpful and at other times, should be discarded; discernment, in this case, may indeed signify genuine growth and transformation.

The title of the class, Global Food Controversy, initially intimidated me a bit. What could one expect from such a course? Led by a chef? Would we be debating which country produced the most delicious dishes?

Throughout one semester, my perspective expanded in ways I never imagined. For instance, I view myself as a pacifist — I dislike arguing or fighting, and certainly do not condone hunting or killing. While I have never strictly adhered to vegetarianism, I refrain from cooking meat at home. This professor, through the information he conveyed and the manner of his delivery, completely flipped my views and made me reconsider that hunting, killing, and consuming animals might not be entirely negative. He prompted me to question where ethical considerations fit into the dialogue (controversy) about food sources and access.

Numerous complexities surround this concept and the various topics we explored in our curriculum. Since I am no authority and possess no substantial qualifications to instruct anyone greatly in any subject, I’d like to leave you with the notion that the “humbly” component of “I humbly accept” signifies that none of us has an inherent right to another’s existence. Rooted in Buddhist principles, this notion encourages non-violence, gratitude, and love without restricting such virtues to those who have dietary limitations.

From acknowledging land to mealtime rituals, what significance does it hold to name a practice? Moreover, how does it resonate to honor those who prepared your meal, the lives given, and the natural resources utilized to create your dish?

As this season of generosity and giving draws to a close, reflect on what it may feel and sound like to humbly receive. As you take a moment to contemplate 2024, delve not just into your recollections of the pleasant, the unpleasant, and the unsightly but also into your vision of its origins.

ATInsiders recently traveled to Japan with Admiral Travel x Gulf Coast Connoisseur Club