Kanpai and Drinking Manners in Japan

Raise your glass with confidence: a friendly guide to kanpai, pouring for others, izakaya habits and polite drinking at Japanese gatherings.

Published October 17, 2026 at 9:33 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: Kanpai is the Japanese toast said as glasses are raised at the start of a drinking occasion. It is polite to wait until everyone has a drink, pour for others rather than yourself, and enjoy shared food at an izakaya. The legal drinking age is 20.

Few moments capture the warmth of Japanese social life like the cheerful call of kanpai as glasses meet around a crowded table. Whether you are joining coworkers at an izakaya (a casual Japanese pub), sitting at a tiny counter bar or sharing sake at a family celebration, a few simple customs will make you feel at home. Dining and drinking out remain a big part of why visitors fall in love with Japan, and understanding the etiquette adds to the fun.

None of this is difficult, and nobody expects foreigners to be perfect. The spirit is about looking after the people around you, enjoying the food and keeping the mood friendly. Here is what to know, from the first toast to the last round.

What kanpai means

Kanpai is the Japanese toast, and the word is written with characters meaning dry cup. It is the shout that opens a drinking occasion, the equivalent of cheers. Everyone lifts a glass, says kanpai together, and often clinks glasses lightly or simply raises them with a smile. After the toast, it is normal to take a first sip right away. Many groups also shout kanpai when a new round arrives or a special announcement is made.

A sociable habit is to wait for everyone to have a drink before the toast begins. That is why, in many izakaya, people order beer as soon as they sit down, often before looking at the menu, because a quick first drink lets the group start together. If you do not drink alcohol, you can toast with tea, juice or soft drinks and nobody will mind. What matters is joining the moment.

Pouring for others

One of the sweetest customs is that people do not usually fill their own glasses. Instead, you watch your neighbors' glasses and pour for them, and they pour for you in return. Traditionally, juniors pour first for seniors, who then return the favor, and this exchange is seen as a way of building harmony rather than flattery. When someone offers to pour, hold your glass with both hands or one hand supported by the other, and tilt it slightly. Say thank you, and take a sip afterward.

Sake has its own vessels, which add to the ritual. It is often served in a ceramic flask called a tokkuri and sipped from a small cup called an ochoko. Sake can be served chilled, at room temperature or warm, depending on the drink and the season, and higher grade bottles are usually not heated. Sometimes it is poured into a small wooden box called a masu until it overflows slightly, a gesture of generosity. The custom of pouring for others has become more relaxed in casual settings, but it is still common at formal events and for the first drink.

At the izakaya

An izakaya is a lively place where food and drinks are ordered gradually throughout the evening. Dishes are shared, with lighter plates such as edamame arriving first, followed by heartier skewers or fried foods, and a rice or noodle dish often closes the meal. The bill is calculated at the end. Many places add a small appetizer at the start, called otoshi, which works as a seating charge, and this is a standard local custom rather than a trick.

Some izakaya also offer a bottle-keep service where regulars buy a whole bottle of shochu or whisky, and the bar stores what is left for the next visit. Do not worry about tipping, since it is not part of the culture. Speak in a friendly voice, keep an eye on shared plates so everyone gets some, and call for staff with a polite word or by using the call button if the table has one.

Company and group gatherings

A nomikai is a drinking party, often organized by a workplace or school to celebrate a milestone, welcome new members or mark the end of a project. An organizer called a kanji books the venue and handles the arrangements, and a senior person usually gives a short speech before the first toast. Guests often introduce themselves. Attendance is usually expected but not strictly required, and a set fee is shared regardless of how much each person drinks.

The event commonly closes after a couple of hours with a group hand clap, and some people continue to a smaller second party known as a nijikai. This is optional, and it is perfectly fine to head home after the first round. The atmosphere can be warm and candid, and conversation is relaxed across ranks, which is part of the charm.

Staying comfortable and polite

The legal drinking age in Japan is 20. Pressuring anyone to drink is considered unacceptable, so feel free to order a non-alcoholic drink or leave your glass full if you want to decline. A polite way to pace yourself is to sip slowly, drink water between rounds and eat plenty of food. Keep your voice friendly, avoid getting too loud on trains afterward, and remember that last trains in many cities leave around midnight, so check the time if you are far from your hotel.

Always drink responsibly and never drive after drinking, as Japan takes drunk driving very seriously. Many people use trains, taxis or designated drivers. If you are unsure of a custom, ask someone nearby, because people are usually pleased to share their traditions and may offer you a favorite drink to try.

Cultural curiosity is always welcome at the table. Ask your companions what they recommend, whether it is a local sake, a regional shochu or a seasonal beer, and many will happily explain the story behind it. Learning how to say cheers in a regional dialect or offering a toast to the people who invited you can make the evening even more special. Small gestures like these turn a simple drink into a memorable cultural exchange.

Quick takeaways

Wait for everyone to have a glass, say kanpai together, and enjoy your first sip. Pour for the people near you and accept refills with thanks. In an izakaya, order food gradually and share, accept the small starter dish, and skip the tip. At group parties, follow the lead of the organizer and feel free to go home after the first round. Above all, keep it friendly and responsible. With these habits, you will be ready to raise a glass anywhere in Japan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does kanpai mean?

Kanpai is the Japanese toast, similar to cheers. It is said as everyone lifts a glass at the start of a drink, and the characters mean dry cup. Glasses may be clinked lightly or simply raised, and you take a sip afterward.

Do you pour your own drink in Japan?

Traditionally people do not fill their own glasses. Instead, you pour for those near you and they pour for you. Juniors often pour first for seniors. The custom has relaxed in casual settings but is still common for the first drink.

Do you tip at an izakaya in Japan?

Tipping is not part of Japanese culture. Many izakaya add a small appetizer called otoshi that works as a seating charge, and the bill is totaled at the end. You can pay at the register on your way out.

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