Party with the Japanese at the Bonenkai Parties
In America, most celebrate New Year’s Eve with a big party every December 31st. But in Japan, they have bonenkai, or forget the year parties, which is a drinking party where the Japanese leave behind their troubles from the current years as they enter a new one with a clean slate.
Most companies will throw a bonenkai party, as it is usually an event celebrated amongst coworkers. In America, companies throw Christmas parties and you know how embarrassing it can be to have one too many drinks around the boss. Save the heavy drinking for friends and family, who also throw bonenkai parties. A Japanese person will never attend just one of these bashes.