JapanSugoi

The Japanese people love to celebrate and drink.  Besides Christmas which is not actually a holiday, the Japanese have parties before and after New Year called Bonenkai and Shinnenkai.

Bōnenkai  忘年会  is a Japanese drinking party that takes place at the end of the year, and is generally held among groups of co-workers or friends. The purpose of the party is to forget the woes and troubles of the past year, usually accomplished by consumption of large amounts of alcohol. A bōnenkai does not take place on any specific day, but they are usually held in December.  Our friends at Japudit have prepared a well thought of and humorous top 10 tips for Bonenkai survival.  There are only 2 days left to have a Bonenkai!

After New Year’s Day, a Shinnenkai  新年会 party is held. This is the Japanese tradition of welcoming the arrival of the new year also accompanied by the drinking of alcohol. A shinnenkai is generally held among co-workers or friends in early January. At least all the drinking does help keep us warm during the cold winter!