Nomikai

A nomikai (Japanese: 飲み会^?) is a drinking party phenomenon particular to Japanese culture. Nomikai are a part of the culture of most places of employment, from schools to nightclubs. They are most often held in restaurants or izakaya, usually with everyone seated at one large table or occupying a separated section of the venue.

Employees are usually expected to participate to some extent in various nomikai, as it is considered a social aspect of work, although it is not expressly required. Such parties focus on the bond between coworkers as a group, and are not considered private or somehow non-work related (see Japanese values). Attendance does not necessarily imply that a person will drink any alcohol, however, and attendees generally pay a set amount for the food, drink, and venue regardless of consumption. Any leftover money may be put toward organizing the next nomikai.

The student version of the nomikai is called a konpa and contains some distinguishing characteristics.

Nomikai are held to mark a wide range of events, including completion of major projects, attainment of set goals, foundation anniversaries, school sporting events, entry of new coworkers, and retirement of senior employees. There is always at least one organizer (幹事^?) responsible for the preparation of the venue. This is usually not the same person or persons for whom the nomikai takes place.

With the exception of the end of year bōnenkai (忘年会^?, forget the year party), most nomikai consist of workers in one section or department of the workplace. In the case of the bōnenkai, everyone in the entire company may be present. In large companies, however, separate bōnenkais are often the norm for each department. Additionally, there may be both kinds of bōnenkai on separate dates. For example, there may be a math department bōnenkai on one day, with a school-wide bōnenkai for all teachers the following week.

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