Nominication: Japan’s Changing Culture of Company Drinking

Many people consider it polite for the label of a beer bottle to face upward when pouring for others. There is still a general expectation at many companies that lower-ranking employees should take responsibility for pouring drinks and serving food. (© Pixta)

Holding of End-of-Year/New Year Parties at Japanese Companies

Employee Views on Drinking Parties

The possibility of harassment issues arising has become a concern at drinking parties. (© Pixta)

Cost per Drinking Party (2023)

Local townspeople are depicted drinking together in this picture from the Edo period (1603–1868). (Courtesy National Diet Library Digital Collection)

The Sumadori Bar in Shibuya, Tokyo, offers drinks with three levels of alcohol content: 0%, 0.5% and 3%. (© Tanaka Ruiko)