Drinking Parties in Japan - Culture & Etiquette
It’s not easy being new in any country, let alone in Japan. Until you learn Japanese, your ability to read signs, understand daily comings and goings is very compromised. So you learn the language, you begin to get around, and you realize it still is not enough. This could be due to the wide variety of unspoken Japanese rules and customs that can be confusing for newcomers.
Have you been invited to a bar or drinking party for a social or work occasion in Japan? Be sure to update yourself on a few simple customs, and you’ll fit right in.
Drinking in Japan - Tip #1: Don’t be late.
That’s the first point of failure for many in the West. Many Americans (like me) have a habit of showing up fashionably late, especially if it is drinks at the bar. Although sometimes this is just a legitimate traffic delay, it is wholly unacceptable in Japan. Avoid this by making sure to arrive at least ten minutes early for any set time. Check the traffic ahead of time!
Drinking in Japan - Tip #2: Know your party.
Whatever the circumstances of this drinking occaision, you need to know how to address the people you are meeting. Are they your superiors or seniors in any way? When you come in, acknowledge the people in the room and quietly greet them. Do not attract undue attention to your entrance. If you don’t know someone’s name, simply ask and try to remember them.
Drinking in Japan - Tip #3: Know your place.
After you’ve said hello or made your introductions, it is time to take your seat. The seat closest to the entrance is called shimoza (lower seat), so the politest thing to do under any circumstance is to sit there or someplace close to it. Whatever you do, don’t sit at the back of the room away from the entrance! This one is the kamiza; a seat for higher-ranking members. It’s a whole thing - learn more about Oshigoto Seating Arrangement Rules.
Drinking in Japan - Tip #4: Kanpai!
Every language has its own translation, each culture it’s own variation: “Cheers” in English, “На здоров’я” in Ukrainian, “Prost” in Geman. If attending a party, when you first get to the event, you should not approach the drinks by yourself at the beginning, you need to wait for someone to give you a glass. The first drink is typically poured for all the guests at the same time. Everyone waits for the magic word: “Kanpai!”
Drinking in Japan - Tip #5: Stay Alert.
Japanese Drinking Etiquette Tip #3: Stay Alert! Don’t let the Japanese alcohol take over! After the first drink, remember to stay attentive and watch the glasses of others around you. When their glasses are empty, ask what they want to drink and pour it for them. If your glass is empty, wait for somebody to ask if you want a refill, as serving yourself will seem too casual in front of your senior and superior.
Don’t let these rules get you down, people in Japan are still quite friendly, if a bit traditional and seemingly shy at first, they are actually some of the most friendly and outgoing people in the world. Just be sure to speak up and talk to the people you are meeting.
Do not worry if you aren’t a very strong Japanese speaker, a drinking party is a perfect chance to get to know the people you are meeting. Find some common ground, talk about where you are from, why you came to Japan, or just about anything else you may find interesting. You’ll find there are people around more than willing to help with Japanese, or desperate for another opportunity to practice their own English.
Most of all… have fun!