Itadakimasu comes from the verb itadaku , meaning "to receive" or "to accept" from a higher entity. It honors the plants and animals that gave their lives for the meal.
At its core, the search phrase combines two of the most emotionally charged words in the Japanese language: Okaasan (mother) and Itadakimasu (a phrase of gratitude before eating). 1. The Role of the "Okaasan" in Japanese Food Culture okaasan itadakimasu link