Eat , Drink, be Merry and celebrate" Bonenkai", in Japan. It literally translates to " forget-the-year" which means, "partytime", for the weary Business workers and friends. The gathering is usually held in a restaurant and rallies the usual consumption of finger food and alcohol. Some people cheer, while other cringe at the thought of the 'Japanese drinking party".. It's a time when the media , sends out warnings, about drunk obnoxious women( Ha Ha) ..Bonenkai is an end of the year bash and whether you drink or not, it would be impolite not to attend, In Japan, you do not pour you own first glass, so, it's hit and miss as to whether or not your going to get gingerale. It's also polite, to lift your glass in an, " receiving ritual" to say thank you to your host, who is usually the boss.
There are many customs in Japan , and as, it is impolite to pour your own glass of water, spirits or any liquid, you are at the mercy of the very kind Japanese, who never allow you to have an empty glass. If you want to stay sober and make it to the New Year, the trick is to not drink your drink, keep your glass full or "what the heck", join the rest of the people under the table.
Luckily there is a " NO drinking and driving", imprisionment law, in Japan. For the most part the people adhere to the rules and obligingly take the subway or pile into one of the hundreds of Black Cat Taxis' that line the streets of the downtown area.
During "Bonenkai", it's not only the giggling women, but the the men, who become a great source of entertainment, as they stumble through the doors swerving down the alleyways, in the general direction of home. In one instance, I couldn't help but chuckle as an elderly gentleman and his friends were herded home like little lambs, at the end of a wives stick..( Ha ha) and she didn't spare the rod. ( Hee Hee)
Thank goodness :Bonenkai" the " woes and trouble" of last year are behind us . It's time to start 2010 with renewed vim and vigor.. Oh Oh..Oh No... not another party!!! "Shinenkai"( Welcome New Year) begins on January 10th through to the end of the month. SO "akemashite omedetou gozaimasu"
Have a "Happy New Year", my friends... Remember ' ZaaArt of keeping the glass full on the table. Wishing you all a healthy and prosperous party.. I mean , New Year.
