1. Introduction
Drinking culture is an integral part of Japanese life, and it has been for centuries. Before indulging in a drink, there are certain traditions and customs that are observed. From traditional toasts to proverbs and sayings, there is much to learn about Japanese drinking etiquette. In this article, we will explore what Japanese say before drinking and the different ways to show respect while doing so.
2. History of Japanese Drinking Culture
The history of drinking culture in Japan dates back thousands of years ago when sake was first produced. Over time, other alcoholic beverages were introduced such as beer and wine, but sake remained the most popular drink in Japan until the 20th century. During the Edo period (1603-1868), alcohol consumption was strictly regulated by the government with taxes placed on certain drinks such as sake and beer. This regulation led to a more formalized drinking culture in which people would observe certain etiquette while consuming alcohol.
3. Common Toasts Before Drinking
Before indulging in a drink, it is common for people to make a toast or say something special before taking their first sip. The most common toast used before drinking is ākanpaiā which means ācheersā or āto your healthā in English. This phrase is typically accompanied by a slight bow of the head or raising of oneās glass in acknowledgement of the toast made by another person or group of people. Other common phrases used before drinking include ākampaiā which means ābottoms upā or āletās drinkā and āmottainaiā which means ādonāt waste itā.
4. Traditional Proverbs and Sayings
In addition to making a toast before drinking, people often recite traditional proverbs or sayings that are related to alcohol consumption as well as general good luck wishes for those participating in the festivities. One example is āKanpai ni oide kudasaiā which translates to āplease come join us for a drinkā or āKampai no yoi oshirase ga arimasuā which translates to āthere will be good news when we drink together.ā These phrases are often said with enthusiasm and joy as they signify good luck for everyone involved in the celebration.
5. Popular Drinking Games
Drinking games are also popular among groups of friends who want to add an element of fun into their evening gatherings. Popular drinking games include āKanpai Rouletteā where players take turns spinning a wheel with different tasks written on it such as singing a song or telling an embarrassing story; āSake Pongā where players take turns throwing ping pong balls into cups filled with sake; and āOmikujiā where players draw slips from a box containing fortunes written on them that they must then act out accordingly (e.g., if you draw āhappy,ā you must smile).
6. Etiquette and Taboos
When consuming alcohol in Japan, there are certain etiquette rules that should be followed out of respect for others present at the gathering such as refraining from becoming overly intoxicated, not pouring your own glass without offering others first, never clinking glasses when making a toast, avoiding loud conversations about sensitive topics (e.g., politics), etc.. It is also important to note that some taboos exist around alcohol consumption such as not pouring yourself too much at once or not finishing all your drinks at once (as this can be seen as rude).
7 Different Ways to Show Respect
In addition to following proper etiquette when consuming alcohol, there are also many different ways that one can show respect while enjoying drinks with friends or family members such as being mindful of how much you consume (i.,e., not overindulging), avoiding talking about sensitive topics (e..g., religion), refraining from getting too loud/boisterous, thanking hosts/hostesses after leaving an event/party etc.. All these things demonstrate respectfulness towards those around you and can help create positive experiences during social gatherings involving alcohol consumption in Japan!
8 Conclusion
Japanese have been enjoying alcoholic beverages for centuries now and have developed many customs surrounding its consumption including traditional proverbs & sayings used before taking sips from oneās glass along with various rituals & games aimed at bringing joy & luck into gatherings involving drinks! As this article has shown there are many ways one can show respect while consuming alcohol including following proper etiquette & avoiding taboos associated with its consumption so donāt forget this next time youāre invited out for drinks!
9 Resources
Tokyo Cheapo: 10 Essential Rules Of Alcohol Etiquette In Japan ā https://tokyocheapo.com/life/essential-rules-alcohol-etiquette-japan/ The Japan Times: What Are Some Common Japanese Proverbs? ā https://www.japantimes.cojp/culture/2017/11/24/language/common-japanese-proverbs/#:~:text=%E3%81%8A%E6%B0%97%E3%81%AB%E3%81%A9%E3%82 %8D&text=The%20most%20commonly%20used%,a%20good%20mannersā&text=This %20proverb %20means %20to %20behave %20with %20respect.
What do Japanese say before drinking sake?
Kanpai
Say Cheers! Once everyone has been served, its customary for everyone to raise their sake cups for a toast. The traditional word for cheers in Japanese is Kanpai. Say it while gently touching the sake cups together before taking your first sip.
What is a Japanese toast?
Since then the Japanese will say the word kanpai very passionately when making toast.
What do the Japanese say when taking shots?
Glasses are spoken of enthusiastically when the pupil is translated into an empty cup and raised ā the Western equivalent is below. It is traditional for people to drop their cup (rice wine) in a single wrapper.
What do you say before having a drink?
Congratulations! When tapping the glass on the bow before taking a drink ā the gesture or toast represents health and happiness. Although there is no concrete evidence of the origin of this phrase and sign it is said to be an ancient tradition.
What do Japanese say after drinking?
Kanpai is the Japanese equivalent of clapping. It originates from the sake of drinking and literally translates as a dry cup. which is equivalent to finishing or finishing the drink. You dont have to finish your drink though.
Do I sip or shoot sake?
In Japan sake is a ceremonial drink and cultural entertainment. It is usually served in a small ceramic or porcelain cup that looks like a glass but you are not supposed to drink sake. Heres a little drink. Actually ask for a glass of wine and drink like wine.
