Prepared
at your table, a festival of sight and sound, Japanese cooking is a
true treat. Here's a little insight: Before eating the meal, the
Japanese say "Itadakimasu" which is a polite phrase meaning "I receive
this food." This expresses thanks to the person who prepared the food.
At the end of the meal, the Japanese say "Gochiso-sama" which is a
polite expression to give thanks for the delicious meal.