Japanese Culture

Drinking in Japan isn’t just about alcohol — it’s how colleagues become friends and walls come down. Misread the room and you’ll stand out for the wrong reasons. This guide explains the unwritten rules so you can enjoy nomikai without the awkwardness. The Izakaya: Japan’s Social Drinking Headquarters An izakaya (居酒屋) is a Japanese pub-restaurant — the most common setting for social drinking. Unlike a Western pub, an izakaya serves a wide variety of food alongside drinks. You typically order both throughout the evening, and the atmosphere is relaxed and noisy. ...

Japan transforms in the final days of December in a way you have to see to believe. Shops close, cities quiet down, and traditions that have lasted centuries play out on every street corner. Here’s your complete guide to experiencing Japanese New Year like a local. When Is Japanese New Year? Japan celebrates the new year on January 1st (not the lunar new year, unlike China or Korea). The holiday period effectively runs from December 29th to January 3rd, during which most businesses, government offices, and shops are closed. ...