Bōnenkai

Dear hubby is gonna be home late tonight because his Laboratory is having Bōnenkai (bon-en-kay) tonight.

Literally, Bōnenkai means "forget-the-year party", which is a Japanized English for "year-end party." From what I've gathered, this is a drinking party held to "forget the woes and troubles of the past year, usually accomplished by consumption of large amounts of alcohol." (see Wikipedia) But what about the good things? I don't think they're supposed to be forgotten, too. ;)

I haven't attended any Bōnenkai in my entire stay here in Japan. I envy those who are lucky enough to attend three Bōnenkais at the most (see this survey) -- all for FREE, usually paid for by the company. Although in my husband's case, each attendee paid 4000yen for the party. Why is that?!

Anyway, in the eikaiwa I work for, we had a "staff gathering" early this month, but I am not so sure if that party can be qualified as Bōnenkai for no one did not mention such term. Or could it be that because the school practices what English natives do, that is, Christmas. So, we had Christmas Party with the Japanese students.

By the way, Japanese don't celebrate Christmas as only about 1% of the population are Christians. Thus, Dec 25 is NOT a holiday. Bōnenkai is the most appropriate counterpart of Christmas in Japan. Of course, almost all Japanese are aware of this most important occasion for Christians. This can be gleaned from the oh-so-Christmas-y decorations in shopping malls, and other entities.

Whether Christmas or Bōnenkai, the most important thing is that we are all happy for the year that was, and all are hopeful for the year that is to come.

Happy Holidays! Or should I say, Kampai! (cheers)

P.S. If you are a gaijin in Nihon and happen to attend the Bōnenkai for the first time, check out these tips -- funny but informative.