Nomikai: Japan's After-Work Drinking Party Explained

A warm look at the casual team dinners that help Japanese coworkers relax, connect and celebrate together outside the office.

Published October 20, 2026 at 2:43 PM JST | By Tokyo Paul

Quick answer: A nomikai is a drinking party that coworkers hold, usually at an izakaya or restaurant after work. Attendees typically pay a set amount for food and drinks, a toast of "kanpai" opens the evening, and the mood is relaxed and friendly. Joining is customary but not formally required, and anyone can enjoy it with a non-alcoholic drink.

Many people who work with Japanese colleagues hear the word nomikai long before they attend one. The term combines "nomu," to drink, and "kai," a gathering, and it describes a social evening that is a familiar part of company life. This guide explains how a typical nomikai works, which events fall under the name, what manners help you feel at ease, and how to take part comfortably whether you drink or not.

What is a nomikai?

A nomikai is a group dinner with drinks, held by coworkers, classmates or club members at a restaurant or izakaya. An izakaya is a casual Japanese pub that serves small dishes meant for sharing, so the table is usually filled with a variety of food. The point of the evening is conversation and bonding, not a formal meal.

In workplaces, a nomikai gives people a chance to talk in a different setting from the meeting room. Colleagues from different teams and levels can chat about hobbies, travel and food, which many people say makes day-to-day work smoother. Attendance is often expected to some extent but is not a strict requirement, and it is perfectly normal to join for a while and head home early.

How does a typical nomikai begin?

A typical nomikai begins with a short speech and a group toast. The organizer, called the kanji, books the venue, collects money and keeps the evening running smoothly. After a few words from the host or a senior colleague, everyone raises a glass and says "kanpai," which means cheers.

Many groups order a first round of drinks for everyone so the toast can happen at the same time. Beer is a classic first choice because it is quick to serve, but any drink is welcome, including tea, soft drinks and alcohol-free beer. Once the toast is over, people dig into the food and the conversation begins to flow.

How do costs and payment work?

At most nomikai, everyone pays a fixed amount that covers the food, drinks and venue. The organizer collects the money in advance or at the end of the night, which keeps things simple. The amount is usually the same for each person whether or not they drink.

Prices depend on the restaurant and the menu, but izakaya meals are generally a casual price point, commonly in the range of one thousand to five thousand yen per person according to a popular visitor guide. Some izakaya add a small table charge that comes with a little appetizer, called otoshi, so it is helpful to expect that on the bill. Menus and prices change over time, so confirm details with the organizer.

What are the main kinds of nomikai?

Several seasonal and special occasions have their own names. A bonenkai, or year-end party, lets teams look back on the year and relax before the holidays. A shinnenkai, or New Year party, starts the year on a cheerful note, and larger companies often hold separate ones by department.

There are also welcome parties for new colleagues, farewell parties, celebration parties after a project and casual get-togethers to mark a good week. Spring flower-viewing picnics and summer beer events are other opportunities for friendly gatherings. Each of these follows the same pattern of a toast, shared food and easy conversation.

What is a nijikai?

A nijikai is an optional second party, held after the first one, usually at a smaller bar or karaoke spot. The word means "second gathering," and a third round is called a sanjikai. Not everyone attends, and often only the people who want to keep chatting go along.

It is entirely fine to politely excuse yourself after the first round. A simple thank-you for the evening, with a mention of an early start tomorrow, is understood and respected. Many people leave after the main party to catch a train, since public transportation in big cities usually stops around midnight, which is a handy reason to plan your exit.

What manners help at a nomikai?

The most visible custom is to pour drinks for others rather than for yourself. People watch each other's glasses and offer refills, and if someone pours for you, you can lift your glass slightly and take a sip. Juniors often start by serving seniors, and seniors may return the gesture, so everyone gets a turn.

Wait to take your first sip until everyone has a drink and the toast has been made. Use the clean end of your chopsticks or the serving utensils when taking food from shared plates. A friendly attitude, a few sincere compliments about the food and attention to the people around you matter far more than perfect form.

What if you do not drink?

You can enjoy a nomikai without alcohol, and no one should pressure you to drink. It is common to order tea, juice, a soft drink or alcohol-free beer, and many people do so for health, religious or personal reasons. You can say you do not drink, and then lift your glass for the toast like everyone else.

Some people simply leave their glass full and sip slowly. The important part is being part of the group moment, not what is in the cup. Most Japanese colleagues are glad to see you at the table and will gladly recommend dishes that go well with a non-alcoholic drink.

What is the mood like at a nomikai?

The mood is usually relaxed, talkative and warm. Hierarchy tends to soften for the evening, and people may speak more openly than they do at work. Many people describe it as a time for building trust, learning about colleagues' lives and sharing a few laughs.

A common custom is that conversations from the evening are treated lightly and kindly, so everyone can feel comfortable. Good topics include food, travel, hometowns, hobbies and favorite places to eat. It is a great chance to practice some Japanese, try new dishes and understand your coworkers a little better.

Do you have to attend every nomikai?

No, you do not have to attend every nomikai, and choosing which to join is normal. Younger workers and international staff are often warmly invited, but a polite decline is acceptable when you have other plans. Many workplaces also hold daytime lunches and tea breaks for the same purpose, which are good options for people who prefer them.

If you do decline, a friendly thank-you and an offer to join the next one keeps the relationship positive. In some modern workplaces, nomikai are becoming shorter, optional or replaced by lunch gatherings. This flexibility means there is usually a style that fits your comfort level.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does nomikai mean in Japanese?

Nomikai means a drinking party or drinking gathering. It combines "nomu," meaning to drink, with "kai," meaning a meeting or gathering. The word is most often used for coworkers' dinners at an izakaya, and it can include food, a group toast and relaxed conversation.

Do you have to drink alcohol at a nomikai?

No. Many people order tea, juice, soft drinks or alcohol-free beer, and pressuring anyone to drink is not considered acceptable. You can raise your glass for the opening toast with whatever you have, which keeps you part of the group without drinking alcohol.

Who pays at a nomikai?

Usually everyone splits the cost. The organizer, called the kanji, collects a fixed amount from each person for the food, drinks and venue. Arrangements can vary from group to group, so it is best to check with the organizer rather than assume.

Keep Exploring

More guides from Tokyo Paul: Kanpai and Drinking Manners in Japan, Izakaya: How to Order and Meishi: The Art of Exchanging Business Cards.