Nomikai in Japan Explained: A Simple Guide

Nomikai (飲み会, pronounced no-mi-kai) is a Japanese drinking party held in a workplace, school, or social group context, and is one of the most recognized customs of Japanese corporate culture.

The word combines 飲み (nomi, "to drink") and 会 (kai, "gathering" or "party").

Nomikai are most commonly held at izakayas (居酒屋, Japanese pubs) and restaurants and serve as the primary social venue where Japanese colleagues build relationships outside the formal hierarchy of the office.

As of 2024, 59.6% of Japanese companies held year-end or new-year parties, down from 78.4% in 2019, according to Tokyo Shoko Research — reflecting a significant shift in attitudes toward the tradition.

This guide covers the types of nomikai, the reasons behind them, the etiquette expected of participants, how to organize one, and what foreign workers in Japan need to know about the changing culture around drinking and workplace socializing.

What is a nomikai?

"Nomikai" is the pronunciation of the Japanese word 飲み会. To break down this word, 飲み is the conjugation of 飲む, which means to drink. This kanji, 会, has a few meanings including meet, meeting, party, and association.

The best translation of 飲み会, or nomikai, is a drinking party. 

The different types of nomikai

There are many types of nomikai in Japan from formal to casual. So, let’s briefly take a look at the most common ones.

Bonenkai (忘年会 = ぼうねんかい)

The straight translation of bounenkai is “forget-the-year party,” and this event is held at the end of the year to reflect on the past and forget about it.

Shin-nenkai (新年会 = しんねんかい)

This nomikai is closely held after or with bonenkai, and it is to celebrate the upcoming new year.

Sobetsukai (送別会 = そうべつかい)

Also known as a farewell party, sobetsukais are thrown for someone leaving or transferring to a new workplace.

Kangeikai (歓迎会 = かんげいかい)

Kangeikais are welcome parties for those who are joining the company. It is an easy way to get to know your coworkers, managers, and bosses.

Additionally, there are many similar versions of nomikai that don't involve the workplace, such as being part of a university club or circle, a group of friends, a sports team, etc., and they each have their own terminology.

An online nomikai to drink and bond together

Happy hour, wine night, and cocktail parties can be categorized as nomikai.

Why have a nomikai in Japanese business?

Nomikai (飲み会) is closely associated with Japanese business and corporate culture, though the tradition is shifting.

A 2024 survey by Tokyo Shoko Research found that 59.6% of Japanese companies held year-end and new-year parties by the end of 2024, down from 78.4% in 2019.

A 2024 Nippon Life survey found that 56.4% of workers now consider nominication (飲みニケーション) unnecessary, the highest figure on record.

That said, when a nomikai does take place, participation remains high: a 2025 Recruit survey reported an average attendance rate of 87.9% among employees who were invited.

Understanding the reasons behind the tradition helps explain both its long hold on Japanese workplace culture and the ongoing debate about its role.

There are 4 main reasons nomikai has been such a fixture of Japanese business life:

1. Team bonding

Informal settings such as restaurants and izakayas allow coworkers to interact, share stories, and overall make connections with each other.

In the hierarchical system of Japanese business culture, these interactions break down barriers and create camaraderie leading to better teamwork and understanding for the future.

2. Stress relief 

The Japanese work environment is known for having long working hours and high-stress levels. So, nomikais provide a break from the daily grind to let employees unwind. 

While office chit-chat does occur, being able to talk about unrelated work topics such as hobbies, personal interests, and life outside of work humanizes everyone and creates a feeling of community. 

3. Hierarchy flattening 

Because of the setting and overall atmosphere of nomikai, the hierarchical structure in Japanese companies becomes more relaxed, allowing senior employees to interact with the junior staff on a more casual level. These interactions can increase a sense of belonging with everyone. 

4. Celebrate milestones 

Many drinking parties are used to commemorate milestones, such as welcoming parties, farewell parties, promotions, and when a project is completed. These drinking parties are a great way to celebrate these achievements.

How can I organize a nomikai?

Organizing a nomikai in Japan is very common. Here are some tips and steps:

1. Decide the purpose.

2. Pick a place.

3. Set a date and time.

4. Know who is coming.

5. Send invitations and reminders.

6. Reserve and place food orders.

7. Enjoy and connect.

What is the etiquette for nomikais in Japan?

There are specific customs and expectations at nomikai that will vary depending on the people, so it is best to observe what your Japanese colleagues are doing and follow their lead.

1. Arrive on time and greet everyone.

2. Pour for others.

3. To cheers, say “kanpai.”

4. Share the food.

5. Engage in conversations.

6. Respect your senior workers.

7. Limit cell phone use.

Seating at a nomikai

Seating at a nomikai follows the Japanese concept of kamiza (上座, the seat of honor) and shimoza (下座, the lower seat). The most senior person present, whether the company president, the most senior manager, or an important client, sits furthest from the entrance. Junior employees sit closest to the door. If you are new or unsure of your rank in the room, wait to be directed to a seat rather than choosing your own. Sitting in the kamiza without knowing is one of the most common nomikai mistakes for foreign workers in Japan.

Cost at a nomikai

A typical nomikai bill in central Tokyo, with food and three to four drinks, runs approximately ¥4,000 to ¥8,000 per person. Payment is usually collected in cash by the event organizer (幹事, kanji) before or during the event. Almost every izakaya also serves an otoshi (お通し), a small mandatory starter dish costing ¥300 to ¥500 per person, which functions as a cover charge. Tipping is not customary in Japan. Any leftover money from the collection may be put toward organizing the next nomikai.

Aru-hara (alcohol harassment)

One important point to keep in mind: since Japan's power-harassment law came into effect for all employers in 2022, pressuring colleagues to attend a nomikai or to drink at one is now legally and socially unacceptable.

A 2023 Persol Research Institute survey found that nearly 80% of Japanese workers consider it harassment if a boss or colleague criticizes someone for skipping a party or not pouring drinks for others. The term aru-hara (アルハラ), short for alcohol harassment, is widely recognized. If you do not want to drink, a polite but clear explanation is sufficient.

Frequently asked questions

What is a nomikai?

A nomikai (飲み会) is a Japanese drinking party held among colleagues, classmates, club members, or friends. In the workplace context, nomikai are the primary social venue where Japanese employees build relationships outside the formal hierarchy of the office. They are most commonly held at izakayas (居酒屋, Japanese pubs) or restaurants and typically run 90 to 120 minutes before participants either head home or continue to a second venue called a nijikai (二次会). As of 2024, 59.6% of Japanese companies held year-end or new-year parties, down from 78.4% in 2019, according to Tokyo Shoko Research.

Do I have to drink alcohol at a nomikai?

No. There is no official rule requiring you to drink alcohol at a nomikai. Most izakayas and restaurants serve non-alcoholic options including non-alcoholic beer, soft drinks, mocktails, and tea, and it is entirely acceptable to order these throughout the evening. What is expected is that you attend and participate in the social gathering itself, not that you drink alcohol. If you do not want to drink, a polite but clear explanation is sufficient. Since Japan's power-harassment law came into effect for all employers in 2022, pressuring colleagues to drink is now legally unacceptable.

What is the etiquette for pouring drinks at a nomikai?

One of the most well-known customs at a nomikai is to pour drinks for others rather than filling your own glass. Junior employees are generally expected to offer to pour for senior colleagues first, and seniors will often reciprocate. To offer to pour, hold the bottle or pitcher with both hands as a sign of respect. If you notice a colleague's glass is empty or nearly empty, offer to refill it. Leaving your own glass half-full is a signal that you do not need a refill. At the start of the nomikai, wait for the first toast (kanpai, 乾杯) before drinking, and do not start eating or drinking until the kanpai is called.

Is it rude to skip a nomikai in Japan?

Attending nomikai is considered part of workplace social life in Japan, and skipping frequently can affect your relationships with colleagues. However, attitudes are shifting significantly. A 2024 Nippon Life survey found 56.4% of Japanese workers consider nominication unnecessary, the highest figure on record. Japan's power-harassment law, which covers all employers since 2022, means that managers who pressure subordinates to attend a drinking party or criticize them for not going can face legal consequences. A 2023 Persol Research Institute survey found nearly 80% of workers view this as harassment. If you need to decline, thank the organizer sincerely, give a brief reason such as a prior commitment or early start the next day, and mention you hope to join next time.

What is a nijikai?

A nijikai (二次会) is the afterparty that follows the main nomikai, typically at a second venue such as a bar, karaoke room, or cocktail lounge. Participation in a nijikai is usually optional and more casual than the main event. A third gathering is called a sanjikai (三次会) and most commonly ends up at karaoke. Not everyone attends each stage — it is acceptable to leave after the nomikai and before the nijikai, provided you say goodbye properly to the organizer and senior attendees.

What is nomunication?

Nomunication (飲みニケーション, nominikeshon) is a Japanese portmanteau combining nomi (飲み, "to drink") and communication. It describes the idea that sharing drinks after work allows colleagues to set aside formal workplace hierarchy and speak more openly with each other. The concept is tied to tatemae (建前, public-facing behavior) and honne (本音, private true feelings): the nomikai was traditionally seen as the space where the gap between the two could be narrowed. A 2024 survey by Nippon Life found that 56.4% of Japanese workers now consider nomunication unnecessary, suggesting the concept is losing its cultural hold, particularly among older workers who have grown more aware of the risks of alcohol-related workplace incidents.

What is aru-hara?

Aru-hara (アルハラ) is a contraction of "alcohol harassment," referring to unwelcome behavior related to drinking at workplace events. This includes pressuring colleagues to attend a nomikai, criticizing someone for not drinking or not pouring drinks for others, or forcing someone to consume more alcohol than they want. A 2023 Persol Research Institute survey found nearly 80% of Japanese workers consider it harassment if a boss or colleague criticizes someone for skipping a party or not pouring drinks. Japan's power-harassment law, covering all employers since 2022, provides legal backing for employees who face this kind of coercion. Foreign workers in Japan should be aware that they are entitled to decline drinking invitations without facing professional consequences.

What is the difference between nomikai and enkai?

A nomikai (飲み会) is a casual drinking party, typically among coworkers or friends, focused on drinking and informal conversation. An enkai (宴会) is a more formal banquet or dinner party that may include drinking but places more emphasis on food, speeches, and structured proceedings. Enkai are typically held for larger, more ceremonial occasions such as company anniversaries, client entertainment (known as settai, 接待), or formal welcome and farewell events. The two can overlap, but a nomikai is generally the more everyday and informal of the two.

In closing

The concept of nomikai is tied to Japanese business as a way for employees to bond, get rid of stress, and celebrate milestones after working hours. While it won’t lead to an overnight promotion, taking part in a nomikai will add value to you by creating a positive relationship and a better sense of community with the colleagues at your workplace.