Bonenkai

Bonenkai, which literally means forget the year gathering, is a party held at the end of the year to forget the troubles of the past year and look forward to a great new year. Bonenkai is most commonly held within companies, but many friends get together as well and celebrate. There is no specific date for Bonenkai, but the holiday is usually held sometime in December.

Some companies may choose to have company parties at the office while others may go to an izakaya (Japanese pub) to celebrate. Bonenkai parties usually involves large amounts of drinking and is a time for fun and getting to know your bosses and coworkers on a more casual level. A bonenkai can last as long as one wants, and many parties usually lasts through several rounds of drinks. Since it's the final celebration of the year, it makes sense that some want to spend it drinking away their troubles with their friends or coworkers as a way to end the year on a good note.

Japan Deluxe Tours recommends having a Bonenkai holiday no matter where you are as a way to celebrate the end of the year. The holiday is a great way to reconnect with friends and coworkers while sharing in good memories.