With the intense heat of summer fading, the crisp, pleasant air of autumn is a welcome change.
As a specialist in folklore, I’ve noticed a sad decline in the use of “iki”—the elegant, refined phrases used in traditional Japanese dining.
But a recent experience surprised me.
I was dining with a British friend who, to my astonishment, used a sophisticated phrase that even most Japanese people don’t know.
If he can do it, so can we. I’d like to introduce you to a few special phrases that can enrich your dining experience.
These phrases are more than just communication tools; they are a way to reconnect with the profound depth of Japanese culture that we are at risk of losing.
