The Art of Gratitude: A Perspective from Japan

Expressing gratitude is a fundamental part of human interactions, and the manner in which we do it can say a lot about our character and upbringing. For me, this process typically begins with a simple verbal “thank you.” But gratitude can and should go beyond words. A respectful bow or a heartfelt letter often communicates much more. At times, we may even choose to express our thanks through gifts of money or items.

Significant occasions like family birthdays or Mother’s Day often involve gifting as a symbol of our gratitude. The act of giving a present can express sentiments like “Thank you for being born” or “Thank you for raising me.” Friends, too, are valuable recipients of our gratitude. We send them tokens of appreciation, saying, “Thank you for your constant support.”

Recently, I read a blog that made me realize just how much support I receive from my surroundings. Air, although free, is circulated by trees, reminding us to say “Thank you” to nature. Similarly, we should extend our gratitude towards food and water, the most basic elements of our survival.

In Japan, my homeland, we have a unique tradition. Before a meal, we say “itadakimasu,” and after we finish, we put our hands together and express thanks with “gochisousama.” “Itadakimasu” is an acknowledgment of the life we are about to consume with gratitude, while “gochisousama” translates to “it was a feast,” indicating our appreciation for the meal.

Finally, I would like to express my deepest gratitude to everyone who supports this blog. Recognizing the simple and profound acts of gratitude is a journey we can all take, no matter where we are in the world.