Izakaya and Drinking in Tokyo
Japan is one of those countries that is known for their alcohol, be it sake, Sapporo, or their ability to throw down at a party. Well, some know it for that, and others believe them to be super strict and robotic.
Fun fact: Both are true.
While the culture in Japan towards to lean more towards being conservative, such as dressing modestly and respecting others (in most cases, more than themselves). There is a lot of pressure to blend in while excelling in most aspects of their life, whether it be work, school, or something else. But, there's the other side, where Japanese people party until 5 a.m. Seriously. They skip the last train and party until the first one at 5 a.m. God knows I'm young but my body cannot do that anymore. Whew.
It's also customary to go out with coworkers and drink frequently, especially if your boss invites you. This gives the employee the opportunity to mingle, make connections, or just get on the good side of their boss. It's not "let's go out for one drink and some food". Well, it can be, but most of the time it's "let's get shitfaced and hate ourselves tomorrow morning". The younger generation also loves to party. Beer is cheap and easily accessible at any 7-11 or Lawson (I almost typed Wawa - New Jerseyans would understand). Going out to drink is about the same price, if not cheaper. Go to a bar and order a cocktail, and it will probably be around $5 (or 500 Yen).
Izakaya is a kind of traditional Japanese restaurant where people are known to go and drink a lot. I've been to one, and we sat on the floor on seat-pillows, ate food that I wasn't 100% sure what it was, and drank some AMAZING drinks. Whew, those were the best I've had so far during my time here - followed closely by the "drug" drink in the Kawaii Monster Cafe.
Americans are known for their partying but...Japanese are definitely strong rivals.
Fun fact: Both are true.
While the culture in Japan towards to lean more towards being conservative, such as dressing modestly and respecting others (in most cases, more than themselves). There is a lot of pressure to blend in while excelling in most aspects of their life, whether it be work, school, or something else. But, there's the other side, where Japanese people party until 5 a.m. Seriously. They skip the last train and party until the first one at 5 a.m. God knows I'm young but my body cannot do that anymore. Whew.
It's also customary to go out with coworkers and drink frequently, especially if your boss invites you. This gives the employee the opportunity to mingle, make connections, or just get on the good side of their boss. It's not "let's go out for one drink and some food". Well, it can be, but most of the time it's "let's get shitfaced and hate ourselves tomorrow morning". The younger generation also loves to party. Beer is cheap and easily accessible at any 7-11 or Lawson (I almost typed Wawa - New Jerseyans would understand). Going out to drink is about the same price, if not cheaper. Go to a bar and order a cocktail, and it will probably be around $5 (or 500 Yen).
Izakaya is a kind of traditional Japanese restaurant where people are known to go and drink a lot. I've been to one, and we sat on the floor on seat-pillows, ate food that I wasn't 100% sure what it was, and drank some AMAZING drinks. Whew, those were the best I've had so far during my time here - followed closely by the "drug" drink in the Kawaii Monster Cafe.
Americans are known for their partying but...Japanese are definitely strong rivals.
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