Kanpai~! Alcohol in Japan
October 29th 2008 03:59
Sake
"Kanpai!" (lit. meaning "Cheers!") is something you'll hear often if you live in Japan during your adulthood. Believe it or not, Japan has a fairly strong drinking culture. Until a few years ago, alcoholic drinks used to be sold even in vending machines (I kid you not!).
For men especially, drinking plays a major role in socialising. This is mostly because men find drinking as a way to unwind and overcome inhibitions as he interacts with colleagues or other friends around him. An interesting piece of trivia would be that Japanese society is very, very tolerant of any drunken behaviour - except from drunken driving which often results in severe punishment.
As a tertiary student or a full-time businessman, you're bound to be invited out by friends and colleagues to go drinking.
It seems as though the Japanese would create any sort of scenario to drink!
Sake (pro. "Sah-keh"; meaning "rice wine") is often drunk during any form of festive event such as the Snow Festival in Sapporo, Hokkaido. Not only that, there's a Sake Festival which is held in Hiroshima annually during October 11-12 (LINK).
Take note that "sake" is often used as a word for "alcoholic drinks". It could refer to "rice wine" or any other alcoholic drink (like shochu or beer).
Of course, aside from festivals, one of the well known seasons for sake is "Hanami" (flower viewing). This would usually take place during Spring when the Sakura (cherry blossoms) are in full bloom. Families, friends and even workplaces would specifically arrange picnics and parties to take place under the cherry blossom trees.
Once you're socialising with your cup of sake, chances are, your cup will never stay empty for long!
Drinking etiquette is something worth taking note of. For starters, you never pour your own drink. This considered rude. However, people will pour for one another and try to ensure that no one's glass or sake cup is ever empty. However, if you wish to refuse further drinks, the polite way is to leave your drink untouched.
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