What are the words that come to your mind when someone mentions “Japan”? You can probably associate it with delightful authentic foods from there, or their good manners, or Japan being on top of your travel list. A lot of good things are from Japan.
But nothing is perfect. Japan, of course, has their own flaws. One of the things that no one is talking about is Japan’s toxic drinking habit. You probably realised that it is extremely easy to find alcohol in Japan. People often drink in public spaces, like the beach or even on the train!
Hence, vending machines also sell alcohol. So although the legal drinking age in Japan is 20, anyone can still purchase alcohol easily. We can assume that drinking is commonly acceptable in Japan.
If you happen to work in Japan, you can clearly see that drinking plays a necessary role in Japanese society. Drinking is a way to initiate and solidify relationships, as seen on drinking parties held by companies and friendships.
Alcohol is the perfect icebreaker for Japanese people, in order to increase both social and business bonds. By getting drunk, they can openly act freely. So they can hang out and bond well.
Many Japanese events involve drinking. For instance, Hanami (cherry blossom viewing celebration) is basically a drinking event under the beautiful cherry blossoms with friends, family, or co-workers. Even religious rites, like welcoming the new year, also involve drinking.
Drinking is part of the job?
Of course, nobody is getting paid for drinking. But Japanese jobs are gruelling, so all the tension needs to be drowned at the end of the day. The boss often drag their employees to the nearest izakaya and have drinking parties together with coworkers.
During this occasion, coworkers can do anything including insult their superiors. But it will be excused as long as they are under the influence of alcohol. Thus, this seems like such an enjoyable activity after long work hours.
Drinking with coworkers is not just a choice. If someone refuses to go, it can actually be considered an insult to one’s colleagues or the company itself. Attending without imbibing is yet another heinous act!
There is simply a lot of pressure to drink. So Japanese salarymen are forced to choose between job and health. Worse, Japanese work ethic pushes people to go into the office even if they are severely hungover.
Drinking culture in Japan naturally lets a lot of people become alcohol addicts, especially the working men. But people in Japan barely talk about this. Alcohol is viewed as medicinal and fun, or even sacred.
They are just proud that Japan is the place where Sake is created. Indeed, there is no harm in trying Japanese Sake once in a while. You can try it in Sakae Sushi where we sells:
Niji Sake, a fragrant sake with a lighter smooth taste.
Kami Sake, a fragrant sake with a light taste on your palate.
Hari Sake, a soothingly smooth sake with a light refined taste.
These three kinds of Japanese Sake will be available on 15th December 2021! Dine-in, takeaway, and delivery online are all available.