Nomikai: Japan's Office Drinking Culture Explained

Walk into any izakaya in Tokyo after work hours and there is a good chance you will spot a nomikai in full swing, a lively drinking party that brings coworkers together outside the office. Far from a stiff obligation, these gatherings are where some of the warmest connections in Japanese work life take shape.

The custom sits at the heart of Japanese workplace culture, treated as a natural extension of the job rather than something separate from it. Nomikai mark all kinds of occasions, from welcoming a new employee to celebrating a finished project, and attendance is encouraged as a way to build camaraderie rather than strictly required.

Showing up does not mean a big bill at the end of the night. Most nomikai charge a set fee upfront that covers food, drinks, and the venue, so the cost stays the same no matter how much a person actually drinks. Plenty of attendees enjoy the food and conversation while sipping something non-alcoholic, since simply being present is the point.

A few customs make the evening run smoothly. Pouring your own glass is considered a bit of a faux pas, since the custom is to pour for others, especially those senior in the group, and to hold a glass with both hands when receiving a pour. The night almost always opens with the same friendly request, toriaezu biiru, meaning beer for now, a simple way to get everyone a drink before deciding what comes next.

Once glasses are filled, everyone waits for the group toast before taking the first sip, raising their glass together and calling out kanpai. When the main gathering wraps up, a smaller crew often heads to a second spot for the nijikai, or afterparty, keeping the night going at a new izakaya or bar with a more relaxed crowd.

Big celebrations like the year end bonenkai and the New Year shinnenkai can bring an entire office together, often closing with a rhythmic group clap called ippon jime to mark the occasion. For visitors curious about Japanese work culture, joining a nomikai even once offers a genuinely fun window into how colleagues become friends over good food and a shared toast.