Do foreigners need to drink at nomikai (飲み会) ? This is a question that’s often asked by those who want to work in Japan. Nomikai are after-work gatherings where coworkers unwind, share meals, and build stronger bonds. It’s long been seen as a staple of Japanese corporate culture. But is it possible for foreigners to opt out of these gatherings without hurting their career?
ASIA to JAPAN Encountered Questions About Nomikai During Visit to Malaysia
During the ASIA to JAPAN team’s visits to several universities across Malaysia, concerns about nomikai was raised. Many Malaysian students, especially Muslim students, asked questions about the drinking party culture in Japan. With religious restrictions around alcohol and certain foods, it’s natural to wonder: Will I be expected to join? Will I be pressured to drink? A lot of these worries are shaped by what students have seen or heard from social media or even classic Japanese dramas from the 1990s, which are well-known in Malaysia.
These portrayals often paint a picture of forced participation and heavy drinking, but they don’t always reflect what’s happening in workplaces today. So, what’s the reality for foreign professionals in Japan now? Do foreigners really need to drink at nomikai? Let’s hear directly from foreign talents who have experienced it firsthand. Plus, check our FAQ about Nomikai and get tips on how to handle nomikai as a foreigner.
Foreign Worker Experiences with Nomikai
No pressure to drink
We have company dinners every month called nomikai. What touches me most is how considerate everyone is. They always check first if the restaurant has vegetarian options for me. And best of all, there’s no pressure to drink. You can just relax, enjoy good food, and spend time with your teammates outside of work. – From an engineer who’s working for a company based in rural Japan
A challenge to work-life balance
After work, Japanese salarymen are in the habit of drinking together a lot. I quite enjoy this, but it can get exhausting to some. For me, having more business trips from outside of my city, the after-work hours drinking sessions have made work-life balance a bit more challenging. – From an Indonesian salarywoman who’s for an international company based in Japan
Having a favorite drink
Before coming to Japan, I didn’t even drink alcohol. Now, as I participate in Japan’s nomikai, or drinking culture, I even have a favorite drink: umeshu or Japanese plum wine. It’s sweet, fragrant, fruity, and just delicious. During work hours, we’re all serious about work. So, going out with my officemates for a drink is quite refreshing! – From a software engineer working for a robotics company
Frequently Asked Questions about Nomikais
Yes! Japanese workplaces tend to be serious and focused during work hours. Spending time with your workmates after work hours is a time to get to know them.
Yes! This is the same as most, if not all, workplaces around the world. Especially as a foreigner, learning about your workmates, talking to them in a casual setting, can help build rapport.
Yes! Nomikais are not mandatory, so you can say no.
The answer is a bit nuanced. As earlier stated, nomikais are an opportunity to build your relationships with workmates. Networking is a natural part of all workplaces. However, you should not be coerced into coming or punished for not attending. There are two regulations you can read up on for this:
1. Labour Standards Act (Article 3): anti-discrimination labor law.
“An employer must not use a worker’s nationality, creed, or social status as a basis for differential treatment with respect to wages, working hours, or other working conditions.”
2. Power Harassment Prevention Law: on abuse of authority
すみません、その日は予定があって参加できません。~ “Sorry, I already have plans that day.”
お酒が飲めないので、今回は遠慮させてください。~ “I can’t drink alcohol, so I’ll pass this time.”
参加はしたいのですが、お酒は控えさせてください。~ “I’d like to join, but I’ll refrain from drinking.”
Yes! Drinking alcohol is never mandatory. You can drink soda or water instead. Recently, it has become common for restaurants to offer non-alcoholic options such as alcohol-free beer, chu-hi, and even umeshu. This allows people to enjoy the atmosphere of a nomikai without actually consuming alcohol.
Importantly, this kind of consideration is not only for foreigners or those with religious restrictions. Even among Japanese people, there are many who cannot or prefer not to drink alcohol. As a result, workplaces have become more mindful and inclusive of different preferences.
Tips for Dealing with Nomikai as a Foreigner Worker Who Doesn’t Drink Alcohol
- Be clear about your preference. If you don’t consume alcohol, it helps to mention it casually early on, so colleagues don’t pour you alcohol.
- Focus on building relationships. Nomikai is less about drinking and more about getting to know your coworkers on a deeper level. Use it as a chance to connect with them in a relaxed setting.
- Order juice or soft drinks. It’s perfectly acceptable to order non-alcoholic options like juice or soft drinks. What matters more is participation, not drinking.
- Hold your glass when others toast. Even if you’re not drinking alcohol, participating in the toast or saying “kanpai” helps you feel more included.
- Choose where you sit wisely. Sit with colleagues you’re comfortable with. This way, you won’t worry too much about feeling excluded.
Key segments in the introduction were drawn from ASIA to JAPAN’s business trip report: 【出張レポート | マレーシア】日本就職への関心は拡大中？説明会参加者増加の背景と学生の本音
