Itadakimasu (いただきます) is a common Japanese phrase said before eating, loosely translating to “I humbly receive,” expressing gratitude for the food, the people who prepared it, and the life taken to make the meal possible—serving as a ritualized moment of humility, respect, and mindfulness embedded deeply in Japanese culture and often reflected in anime as a symbol of character warmth, manners, or emotional tone. While frequently left untranslated in subs and dubs, itadakimasu carries layered cultural and spiritual meanings far beyond a casual “Let’s eat.”

Literal Meaning and Linguistic Roots

Itadakimasu comes from the polite verb itadaku (頂く), a humble form of “to receive,” commonly used when accepting something from a superior or with gratitude. The construction is grammatically polite, signaling deference and respect.

Unlike “thank you for the food,” itadakimasu isn’t directed at a person—it’s a ritual expression acknowledging the food itself and everything that made it possible, including:

  • The animals or plants that gave their lives
  • The farmers, chefs, or parents who prepared the meal
  • The natural and human effort behind the ingredients

It’s a verbalized moment of mindful consumption.

Cultural Context and Practice

In Japan, itadakimasu is taught from childhood, and saying it is considered basic etiquette:

  • Before meals, hands are typically clasped together in front of the chest, and “itadakimasu” is said aloud
  • Not saying it is seen as rude or ungrateful
  • Saying it reflects gratitude, not just for flavor, but for sustenance and labor

In Japanese homes, schools, restaurants, and anime scenes, this phrase marks the start of eating and sets a tone of quiet appreciation.

Contrast With “Gochisousama”

After finishing a meal, the phrase gochisousama deshita (ごちそうさまでした) is said—expressing gratitude after eating. These two phrases bookend the eating experience, highlighting Japanese food culture’s emphasis on humility and respect.

Itadakimasu in Anime

Anime consistently features “itadakimasu” in pre-meal scenes—not just as cultural flavor, but often to:

  • Signal a moment of normalcy or peace in a chaotic story
  • Emphasize a character’s politeness or upbringing
  • Set the tone for slice-of-life storytelling
  • Create emotional contrast before or after serious scenes
  • Show a character’s appreciation or growth (e.g., when a loner starts eating with friends)

Examples of iconic use:

  • My Neighbor Totoro: the sisters chant “Itadakimasu!” in unison before a simple meal
  • Your Name: rural scenes where characters eat rice together
  • Shokugeki no Soma: even in intense food battles, etiquette is maintained
  • Naruto: Naruto says it with childlike sincerity, often before eating ramen, emphasizing his gratitude after a lonely childhood

Translation and Subbing Choices

“Itadakimasu” is often left untranslated in English subtitles and dubs because:

  • There’s no direct equivalent in English
  • Translations like “Let’s eat!” or “Thanks for the food!” miss the deeper meaning
  • Dubs sometimes omit it altogether for pacing

However, keeping the phrase intact has become more common in modern subs to preserve cultural authenticity.

Philosophical and Spiritual Underpinnings

Though secular in daily use, itadakimasu carries Buddhist and Shinto echoes:

  • Acknowledges impermanence and the cycle of life
  • Honors the sacrifice of life (even plant-based meals involve life being taken)
  • Aligns with animistic respect toward nature and food sources

Saying itadakimasu is not religious per se, but it reflects a spiritual posture—respect for what’s consumed, and awareness that food is never “just food.”

Emotional and Character Signaling

In anime, who says itadakimasu, how they say it, and when they say it can reveal:

  • Good manners vs. impulsiveness (a rude character might skip it)
  • Gratitude vs. entitlement
  • Character development (e.g., when someone learns to appreciate shared meals)
  • Mood shifts (a silent itadakimasu before a sad or reflective meal scene)

Even small details—clasped hands, closed eyes, a pause—can imbue the phrase with emotional weight.