"EAT DRINK AND BE MERRY"

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.