December: Party Month in Japan

With a poor immune system against digesting alcohol, Japanese still love drinking—for occasions to gather with close friends or grumble about their work. Eventually, many get wasted, puking on the platform or passing out on the train. (Thank god our city cleaning system is impeccable.) Such scenes become more ubiquitous in December when many companies and college clubs host bo-nen-kai. The spirit is: Let’s forget what happened this year and charge up for the coming year.

While Western countries warmly celebrate the holiday season, usually surrounding a table with families, Japanese toast to the end of year at bon-nen-kai. It is more of a social engagement than a party. You have to attend. You have to drink. Bosses encourage the staff to forget about the hierarchy, which you shouldn’t. Yet alcohol makes people speak honestly, act inappropriately. Some go through embarrassing situation next morning in the office, often with a heavy hangover.

In December, cities at night are full of students and salary-men (Japanese office workers) struggling to make it home. If they are not too wasted, they are unusually friendly and funny.