Bonenkai Wraps Up Old Year, Welcomes New One in Japan
Written
by: Misa
Kajikawa
After shots of sake under gorgeous
cherry blossom trees in the Spring, chilling out with beer on the beach in the Summer,
and trying the latest Beaujolais Nouveau in the Fall,
people in Japan still long for one of the biggest party events of the year: Bonenkai
Literally meaning “forget the year
party,” Bonenkai is rooted in the spirit of wrapping up the old year (tough
periods and all) so that one may have a good memory of the year and be ready to
welcome and celebrate a holy new year.
Most often, Bonenkai is a dinner event
which some (especially those in the urban areas of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya) enjoy
as nonstop parties Monday - Friday. Because public transit is so good in these
areas, there’s no need to worry about the effects of “the bottle”. It’s easy to
pick up the last train of the night or just wait for the first train in the
morning from late open bars, karaoke or internet cafes. It’s so popular, in fact, that restaurants,
bistros and pubs are almost fully booked all December long.
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| Bonenkai Konpai! (Photo: Misa Kajikawa) |
In business, people have year-end
parties with their small group or the entire company – sometimes including clients
and partners. These events often include overviews of the company’s growth,
awards for valuable employees, and very frank discussions to share friendships not
just business. It is a kind of the wrap-up before entering the most important
holiday in Japan, Oshogatsu (the New
Year).
The Bonenkai atmosphere can vary from
casual standing to dining “Tatami Room style” where
there’s privacy for fun developments such as someone showing up in a batman
costume or guests screaming for the raffle prizes. The menu often includes winter
specialties such as hot pots or oysters. Some go with wine, others with Virgin
Margaritas, but the most important thing is that everyone is having a great time
so that they forget the pain of their daily work for sure.
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| Bonenkai Oysters (Photo: Misa Kajikawa) |
Our local panel in Japan, Research Panel, did a quick poll with our Japan
panelists, asking them how much they budget for Bonenkai. Most (76%) think less
than $60 (5,000JPY) is ideal since there are so many parties for weeks! There
are a few gender gaps, however, with men tending to budget more while women, likely
to think they eat and drink less, allocating less.
And, finally, in case you’re concerned
about the consequences of the potential drinking, worry not! “Anti-Hangover
Supplements”
abound.
So grab your colleagues or friends,
prepare a great meal (with lots of beverages!), and let the things that happened
in 2012 go out with a smile. Now, finally, you are ready for the coming 2013.
RPA wishes all a happy and
prosperous New Year!
