Nomikai: The Complete Guide to Japan's Work Drinking Culture

If you work in Japan, sooner or later you'll get an invitation to a nomikai (飲み会). These after-work drinking gatherings are a cornerstone of Japanese workplace social life, and navigating them well can make a real difference to your relationships with colleagues. Whether you drink alcohol or not, understanding how nomikai works—and what's expected of you—will help you feel confident and connected in your Japanese workplace.

This guide covers everything you need to know about nomikai: what they are, the different types, how to behave, and how to handle situations as a foreigner who may not drink.

What Is Nomikai? Understanding Japan's Drinking Gatherings

Nomikai (飲み会) literally translates to "drinking gathering." It refers to social events held outside of work hours—typically at izakayas (Japanese pubs), restaurants, or karaoke bars—where colleagues drink, eat, and bond.

The concept has given rise to a uniquely Japanese word: nominication, a blend of the Japanese word nomu (to drink) and the English word "communication." The idea is that alcohol lowers social barriers, allowing colleagues to interact more openly than they would in the formal office environment.

Nomikai has deep roots in Japanese corporate culture. These events became embedded in business life during Japan's postwar economic boom of the 1950s and 1960s. At their peak in the 1970s through 1990s, nomikai were practically mandatory, with multiple rounds of drinking extending late into the night. Attendance was often tied to perceptions of loyalty and team spirit.

Today, nomikai culture is changing. Participation rates have dropped from around 75% of workplaces in 2017 to approximately 60% in 2025. The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated this shift, and a growing awareness of work-life balance and "nomi-hara" (nomikai harassment) has made truly voluntary attendance more common.

For more context on Japanese workplace culture, see our guide on working in Japan as a foreigner.

Types of Nomikai: From Year-End Parties to Farewell Dinners

Not all nomikai are the same. Japanese workplaces have a rich vocabulary for different types of drinking gatherings, each with its own occasion and social expectations.

Bounenkai (year-end parties) are among the most important. Held in December, they mark the close of the business year and give colleagues a chance to let go of the past year's stresses. Bounenkai attendance rates dropped significantly from 78.4% of companies hosting them in 2019 to 59.6% in 2024.

Shinnenkai are held in January to welcome the new year and motivate the team for the months ahead.

If you're new to a company or team, expect a kangeikai held in your honor. Similarly, when a colleague leaves, there's typically a soubetsukai—and you may be expected to attend both.

After a nomikai ends, the group often continues at a second venue (the nijikai, or afterparty). A third round is called a sanjikai. You're free to skip the nijikai if you need to head home—just excuse yourself politely.

Nomikai Etiquette: How to Behave at Japanese Work Drinking Events

Attending a nomikai isn't just about drinking—it's about demonstrating that you understand and respect Japanese social customs. Here are the key rules to follow:

Wait for the Kanpai

Never eat or drink before the official toast. The event starts with a brief speech from the organizer or a senior manager, followed by everyone raising their glasses for a toast—kanpai (乾杯). Only after this signal should you begin eating or drinking.

Pour Drinks for Others

In Japan, it's customary to pour drinks for the people around you rather than refilling your own glass. Pay special attention to seniors and managers—try to keep their glasses filled, and don't let them sit empty for long.

When your glass is being filled by someone else, it's polite to hold the glass with two hands as a sign of respect.

Mind the Glass Position During Toasting

When clinking glasses with a superior, hold your glass slightly lower than theirs. This small gesture reflects respect for hierarchy and is appreciated even by younger, more casual workplaces.

Control Your Consumption

Japanese drinking culture values being able to hold your drink without losing composure. Pace yourself. Leaving your glass half-full signals to others that you're fine and don't need a refill.

Leave Politely

If you need to leave before the event ends, excuse yourself to the organizer using the phrase "お先に失礼します" (Otaki ni shitsurei shimasu—"Please excuse me for leaving first"). Thank the hosts before you go.

Follow Up the Next Day

A brief thank-you to the organizer or senior attendees the following day is a nice touch that will be noticed and appreciated.

For deeper guidance on Japanese social customs, check out our article on Japanese culture and etiquette for foreigners.

Nomikai as a Foreigner: What You Need to Know

As a foreigner, you may find nomikai both exciting and daunting. Here's what to expect:

You Don't Have to Drink Alcohol

This is perhaps the most important point for non-drinkers: you can attend nomikai without drinking alcohol. Most izakayas and restaurants offer a wide range of soft drinks, juices, and non-alcoholic options. Simply order what you prefer when the drinks round comes around.

The key is to participate—join in the kanpai with your glass of oolong tea or ginger ale, pour drinks for your colleagues, and engage in conversation. In Japanese workplace culture, being present and showing willingness to socialize matters far more than what's in your glass.

Can You Decline a Nomikai Invitation?

Modern Japanese workplace culture has become more accepting of people declining nomikai. Nearly 80% of workers now view pressuring someone to attend—or criticizing non-drinkers—as a form of workplace harassment called nomi-hara (ノミハラ).

That said, context matters. If it's your own welcome party (kangeikai), declining would be seen as quite rude. For regular gatherings, you can politely decline with a plausible reason (prior commitment, family obligation, early morning the next day). Do this occasionally rather than making it a habit in your first months on the job, as building relationships takes effort.

Conversation Topics at Nomikai

Nomikai are deliberately informal. Topics that would never come up in the office—personal hobbies, weekend plans, opinions on company matters—flow freely. This is valuable for building real connections with colleagues.

However, as a foreigner, be cautious about sharing strong opinions on sensitive topics like company politics or complaints about management. What feels like casual venting over drinks can be taken seriously. Keep it light, listen more than you talk, and let relationships develop naturally.

Budgeting for Nomikai

Most nomikai use a kanji system (幹事), where an organizer collects payment from everyone at the end. Costs typically range from ¥3,000 to ¥5,000 per person for a standard izakaya event, though year-end parties and special occasions can run higher.

You'll usually be told the budget in advance. If the cost is a concern, it's acceptable to mention it quietly to the organizer.

For budgeting tips in Japan generally, see our cost of living guide.

The Changing Face of Nomikai: Work-Life Balance in Modern Japan

Nomikai culture is evolving rapidly. Several forces are reshaping how—and whether—Japanese companies hold drinking events:

Declining participation: Surveys consistently show that 60-70% of workers across all age groups now consider "nominication" unnecessary for building business relationships. Young workers in particular are less enthusiastic about after-work obligations.

Post-pandemic reset: COVID-19 forced a multi-year pause on most nomikai. Many companies discovered that team relationships could survive without regular drinking events, and some opted not to revive them.

Nomi-hara awareness: The recognition of nomikai harassment—pressuring employees to attend, drink more, or participate in drinking games—has raised consciousness around voluntary attendance. Companies are increasingly clear that attendance is optional.

Alternative formats: Modern nomikai may take place at cafes, family restaurants, or bowling alleys rather than traditional izakayas. Daytime events, short gatherings (ending by 9 PM), and events that emphasize food over alcohol are becoming more common.

Smart drinking: The concept of "smart drinking" (控えめな飲み方) is gaining traction, emphasizing moderation and the right to decline alcohol without social stigma.

For more on work culture and making social connections in Japan, read our guide on making friends and social life in Japan.

Common Nomikai Scenarios and How to Handle Them

Understanding what to do in specific situations helps you navigate nomikai with confidence.

Scenario: You're the guest of honor at your own welcome party. Show up, be gracious, and make an effort to speak with as many colleagues as possible. This event is specifically for you—it would be very rude to decline or arrive late. Express gratitude at the end.

Scenario: You're asked to do a drinking game. Drinking games (nomigames) sometimes appear at nomikai. You can participate with non-alcoholic drinks, or politely decline by saying you're pacing yourself. In most modern workplaces, this is accepted without issue.

Scenario: A colleague is pressuring you to drink more. Politely but firmly decline: "I'm fine, thank you" (daijoubu desu, arigatou gozaimasu). If pressure continues, it may be nomi-hara—note the situation and consider speaking to HR if it becomes a pattern.

Scenario: The nijikai is suggested and you need to leave. It's perfectly fine to skip the afterparty. Thank the organizer, say goodbye to the group, and excuse yourself with otaki ni shitsurei shimasu. No elaborate explanation is needed.

Additional Resources for Foreigners Navigating Japanese Work Culture

Understanding nomikai is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to thriving in a Japanese workplace. Here are some resources to help you go deeper:

• Living in Nihon: Japanese Work Culture for Foreigners — Comprehensive guide to workplace expectations in Japan
• For Work in Japan: Business Culture & Etiquette Guide — Detailed advice on Japanese business customs
• Ittenshoku: Job Change Resources for Japan — Career development and workplace navigation for those working in Japan
• Zenterni Internships: Nomikai Culture — Detailed analysis of how nomikai is evolving
• EJable: Japanese Work Events Guide — Overview of all types of Japanese work social events

You may also find it helpful to read our guide on Japanese culture and etiquette and our overview of the broader topic of daily life in Japan for foreigners.

Key Takeaways

Nomikai are an important part of Japanese workplace culture, but they're not the minefield they might seem. The golden rules are simple: show up when it matters, be respectful of customs (especially the kanpai), pour drinks for others, and engage genuinely in conversation.

You don't need to drink alcohol to participate successfully. The point of nomikai is human connection—and that's something every foreigner in Japan can contribute to, glass of oolong tea in hand.

As Japan's work culture continues to evolve, nomikai are becoming less frequent and more genuinely voluntary. But understanding and occasionally participating in them remains one of the best ways to build real relationships with Japanese colleagues—and to feel at home in your workplace.