The word “mottainai” is part of the Japanese language, but recently it is also used by foreigners living in Japan. It’s usually used when something that is still useful is thrown out. It is also used when you feel you don’t deserve something. The other day a friend of mine said that he was buying a new PC. I was also just about to buy a replacement PC, so I asked him, “What are you going to do with the old PC?” Then he said, “I’m going to throw it out, but if you want it you can have it for free.” He’s a PC maniac, so the one he’d been using up till now was high spec. Delighted, I said, “It would be mottainai (a waste) to throw it out. Of course I’ll take it.” He said, “I’ll send it via a home delivery service, do you want to buy insurance? You’ll have to cover the delivery charge and insurance fees.” I said, “Of course, but it would be mottainai (a waste) to insure something I got for free. So, I don’t need it.” Several days later, a PC wrapped in foam arrived at my home. I wasted no time plugging it into the mains, but it didn’t start up. On closer inspection I found that a corner of the PC had been dented. In the end it was not usable and I had to pay the expenses for the PC’s delivery and for its disposal. I regretted thinking that the insurance fee was mottainai.