In Japanese, domestic leave-taking follows an unvarying formula. The person departing says itte kimasu, which means literally, “Having gone, I will come back.” Those who remain behind respond with itte rasshai, which means “Having gone, be back.” Sayonara, the word that foreigners are taught is the Japanese for “goodbye,” is too final for most occasions, implying a prolonged or indefinite separation. Itte kimasu contains a different emotional charge: the promise of an intended return.
