【N3 N2 JLPT】Why Do Japanese Say “Itadakimasu” Before Eating? | Easy Japanese Listening Shadowing

Why do Japanese people say “Itadakimasu” before eating? If you eat with Japanese people, you may notice something interesting. Before the first bite, they often put their hands together and quietly say: 「いただきます。」 And when the meal is finished: 「ごちそうさまでした。」 Many foreigners assume that Itadakimasu means “Let’s eat.” But the real meaning is much deeper. In this relaxing Japanese listening video, we'll explore the Itadakimasu meaning and discover why this simple phrase reveals so much about Japanese culture, gratitude, food, and everyday life in Japan. “いただきます” is not simply a phrase that starts a meal. Behind it is a quiet feeling of gratitude. Gratitude for the food. For the person who prepared it. For the people who grew or produced it. And even for the life that became the meal. That is why understanding why Japanese say Itadakimasu can also help us understand an important part of Japanese food culture. 🌸 SPECIAL 2-PART LEARNING FORMAT Part 1 – With Furigana Japanese subtitles include Furigana to help you read Kanji more easily while enjoying slow and relaxing Japanese listening practice. Part 2 – Without Furigana The same story is presented without Furigana so you can challenge yourself, strengthen your Kanji recognition, improve your listening skills, and practice Japanese shadowing more naturally. This video is perfect for: • Japanese listening • Japanese listening practice • Japanese shadowing • learn Japanese • learning Japanese • JLPT listening practice • learn Japanese through stories • Japanese language and culture • Japanese culture lovers • anyone interested in life in Japan In this video, you'll discover: • Why Japanese say Itadakimasu before eating • The deeper Itadakimasu meaning • Why “Itadakimasu” doesn't simply mean “Let's eat” • The connection between food and Japanese gratitude culture • Why Japanese children say Itadakimasu before school lunch • How the phrase becomes part of everyday Japanese meal traditions • Why some Japanese people say it even when eating alone • The Gochisousama meaning after finishing a meal • What these phrases reveal about Japanese dining culture • How small words can reflect deeper Japanese customs One of the most interesting things about Japanese eating etiquette is that these phrases are often used naturally, without people consciously thinking about their deeper meaning every time. Japanese children learn them at home and at school. Before lunch: 「いただきます。」 After lunch: 「ごちそうさまでした。」 Over time, these words become part of everyday Japanese daily life. But there is something beautiful hidden inside this ordinary habit. Even when someone is eating alone, they may quietly say “Itadakimasu.” Nobody is listening. Nobody expects them to say it. And yet, the words still come naturally. Perhaps that is because “Itadakimasu” is not only something you say to another person. It can also be a small moment of appreciation before receiving the meal in front of you. This is one reason Japanese table manners can be so interesting. They aren't always about strict rules. Sometimes they are about small gestures that create a particular feeling around food. A warm bowl of miso soup. Rice on the table. Steam rising into the air. A family sitting together after a long day. Then someone quietly says: 「いただきます。」 And the meal begins. After everyone finishes, another important phrase appears: 「ごちそうさまでした。」 Understanding the Gochisousama meaning gives us another glimpse into Japanese food culture. It expresses appreciation for the meal and, depending on the situation, gratitude toward the person who prepared or provided it. These two Japanese phrases for eating create a small beginning and ending around mealtime. いただきます。 The meal begins. ごちそうさまでした。 The meal ends. Simple words. But behind them are gratitude, habit, relationships, and generations of Japanese meal traditions. If you're interested in Japanese culture, Japanese customs, Japanese food etiquette, or the quiet details of life in Japan, this video will show you a side of Japan that tourists may notice but don't always understand. At Japanese Listening PRO365, we explore the quiet details of everyday Japan while helping you improve your Japanese through relaxing stories. If you enjoy Japanese listening, Japanese culture, and stories about real Japanese daily life, please subscribe and join us for the next Japanese story. And if you ever have a meal in Japan, listen carefully before everyone begins eating. You may hear a quiet: 「いただきます。」 It's only one word. But inside that word, you may discover a small part of the gratitude and gentleness that have shaped everyday Japanese dining for generations. Thank you for watching. また次の日本の物語でお会いしましょう。🌸 #japaneselistening #japaneseshadowing #learnjapanese #easyjapanese #itadakimasu #japaneseculture #japanesefoodculture #japanesedailylife #japaneseetiquette #lifeinjapan #JLPT