←back to thread

The staff ate it later

(en.wikipedia.org)
477 points gyomu | 1 comments | | HN request time: 0.208s | source
Show context
juancn ◴[] No.45105839[source]
It's related to the concept of Mottainai (もったいない, 勿体無い) in Japanese culture. Where any waste is considered bad, specially related to food.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mottainai

replies(5): >>45105992 #>>45106396 #>>45106545 #>>45110826 #>>45111484 #
lmm ◴[] No.45111484[source]
This is similar to the Japanese concept of Shitsurei (失礼, しつれい). It is of course impossible to comprehend this unique idea that no other world culture has ever conceived of. What a remarkable society!
replies(2): >>45111712 #>>45112800 #
tokioyoyo ◴[] No.45111712[source]
I did chuckle a bit, but the idea of mottainai is just way more prevalent within Japan, compared to Western countries. I can't speak for other Asian countries, but it's very easy to feel that compared to North America and Europe (places that I've lived in). Funnily, I've felt it in post-soviet countries as well, but that's coming from the feeling of scarcity in the beforetimes.
replies(2): >>45111878 #>>45112788 #
1. eloisant ◴[] No.45112788[source]
From my experience, the idea that you shouldn't waste things, and food in particular, is similar in Japan and France. That was even stronger with my grand-parents who lived through food scarcity during WWII in France.

US however seems pretty unique in its not caring about waste. Heck, it's really tough not waste food because all servings in restaurants are for 3 people so unless you bring everything in boxes you'll be wasting things.