Bōnenkai

A bōnenkai is a Japanese drinking party that takes place at the end of the year. The purpose of the party is to forget the woes and troubles of the past year, and hopefully look to the new year. Bōnen Kai are observed by parties of friends or co-workers or sponsored by a company or business office for their employees.

About Bōnenkai in brief

Summary BōnenkaiA bōnenkai is a Japanese drinking party that takes place at the end of the year. The purpose of the party, as its name implies, is to forget the woes and troubles of the past year, and hopefully look to the new year, usually by consumption of large amounts of alcohol. The tradition started in the 15th century during the Muromachi period as gatherings to express thanks.

At that time, the parties were known as nōkai. By the 18th century, they had become known as year-end parties. Bōnen Kai are observed by parties of friends or co-workers or sponsored by a company or business office for their employees.