Before eating meal, Japanes people say “itadakimasu” putting their palms together.

After the meal, they say ” gochisousama ” meaning ” that was a fabulous meal ” with putting palms together as well.

May need to remind Jpn people of appriciation for food

Like saying a blessing in Western countries, these phrases express an appreciation for meal.
 
But in the recent Japanese society, the number of those who start (or end) eating without saying the phrase is growing.
 
I think this is a disappointing trend, which could manifest degrading Japanese people’s mentality.
 

Tai sea bream a symbol of auspiciousness
parting couple
Good bye=sayonara? … not really
eshaku
Japanese people do not bow so often. Instead, we do eshaku.
parting couple
( Too many ) Japanese phrases meaning good-bye casual to polite
Matsu Bashou
Haiku rules: pattern and kigo
ボーイッシュな女性
Though too many 1st person pronouns ( such as watashi ) , you may use only one
family
Konbanwa is not used often. Maybe least frequent among greetings.
Takoyaki stands are closing, which is no problem for Kansai people