How to Enjoy a Company Drinking Party(Nomikai)

What is a "Nomikai"?

A "nomikai" is a drinking party held within a company or department to foster good relationships among colleagues. It's a great opportunity to chat casually with people you don't usually talk to at work. This helps improve workplace relationships and can even boost work efficiency. It also provides a relaxed atmosphere to relieve the stress you might feel during work.

Despite the name suggesting alcohol consumption, you don't have to drink alcohol at a nomikai. Feel free to enjoy soft drinks like juice or tea, or even non-alcoholic beer.

When Do Nomikai Happen?

Nomikai can happen after work, but there are also specific occasions for these gatherings:

• Welcoming Party (Kangeikai): To welcome new members.
• Farewell Party (Soubetsukai): To send off members who are leaving or transferring.
• Celebration Party (Uchiage): To celebrate the end or success of a project.
• Year-End Party (Bounenkai): Held at the end of the year to forget the hardships of the past year.
  December is often called the "bounenkai season" because many parties are held.
• New Year Party (Shinnenkai): Held at the beginning of the year to celebrate the new year, usually in January.

The atmosphere of these parties can vary depending on the company culture, but they are all important opportunities to deepen connections with your coworkers. Some companies might even hold these gatherings over lunch instead of in the evening.

How to Enjoy a Nomikai

A Chance to Get Closer to Your Coworkers

A nomikai is a great chance to interact with your coworkers. You can talk about things you wouldn't normally discuss during work hours, helping you get closer to them. Here are three tips to make the most of it:

1. Relax and Have Fun: It's important to relax and enjoy yourself at a nomikai. You don't have to drink alcohol if you don't want to. Enjoy your drink at your own pace and engage in conversations.
2. Let Them Get to Know You: Use this opportunity to let your coworkers know more about you. Share a bit about your hobbies, interests, or family. It can help bridge the gap between you and your colleagues.
3. Be a Good Listener: While sharing about yourself is important, listening to others is equally crucial. Pay attention to what your coworkers are saying to learn more about them and build better relationships.

Enjoy the Food and Drinks

Casual nomikai are often held at izakayas (Japanese pubs).

At izakayas, you can enjoy a variety of dishes like yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), sashimi (raw fish), edamame (soybeans) and karaage (fried chicken).

These dishes are usually shared among everyone.
For drinks, there's a wide selection including beer, sake, shochu, whiskey, highballs, and cocktails. For non-drinkers, there are soft drinks like juice, non-alcoholic beer, and non-alcoholic cocktails.

Handy Tips to Know

How to Interact with Senior Colleagues

In Japan, it's common to show special respect to senior colleagues and superiors. Here are some customs to keep in mind during a nomikai:

1. Pouring Drinks: It's customary to pour drinks for senior colleagues when their glasses are empty. Use both hands when pouring to show respect.
2. Ordering: When ordering food or drinks, it's polite for junior members to call the waiter and place orders on behalf of senior colleagues.
3. Thanking for the Payment: Often, senior colleagues might cover more of the bill. Make sure to thank them after the party.

If you're unsure about what to do, observe your coworkers or ask them for guidance.

Seating Arrangements

Pay attention to seating arrangements at a nomikai.

In Japan, there's a concept of "kamiza" (upper seat) and "shimoza" (lower seat).

The seat furthest from the entrance is the kamiza, and the closest is the shimoza. Typically, senior members sit in the kamiza.

In Conclusion

Nomikai are a unique part of Japanese company culture. They can be held after work, at the end of a project, or to celebrate seasonal events like year-end parties.
It's a great opportunity to have relaxed conversations with your coworkers and enjoy Japanese food and drinks. However, remember to keep the atmosphere enjoyable and avoid discussing confidential matters or making too much noise.

Enjoy your nomikai experience! 🍻

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