One last toast to this year! Let’s forget all the problems and bad things that have happened this year! Although these words are not exactly said, this is what the word bonenkai literally means, and basically, it is the philosophy of this celebration. But what is it exactly?
What kind of party is this?
Let’s look closely at its kanji: 忘年会. The first one “忘”, literally means “forget”, while 年 is “year” and 会 is “gathering”. In short, forget the year gathering. Basically it is a party held at the end of the year, typically held by companies, but can be held with friends as well.
What is the purpose of it?
The idea is to commemorate the year with the group, forgetting all the problems that have occurred, and to toast to the new year that is coming. This type of parties are usually accompanied by large amounts of alcohol, so forgetting your hardships of the year is assured glass after glass.
Food, alcohol, … is there anything else?
It is difficult to define the events that take place at a bonenkai as it depends on where it is held and how the company has organized it. Many companies choose to hold them in izakaya or restaurants, being able to reserve the entire venue (貸切) for it. However, this option can be more expensive, so other companies decide to do it in company premises to save some costs (let’s not forget that it is often financed by the company and not by the workers). Obviously, drinks and food are important, but there can also be games, karaoke, or even performances by the workers themselves.
What about my experience?
In the company where I work, instead of having 忘年会, there is a Christmas party, but they are very similar. We basically gather in a restaurant reserved just for us, where we could socialize while eating and drinking, and there were also games with prizes. It’s a good way to chat with your colleagues outside the office and get to know other sides of them that you don’t see from the inside. That’s been said, I didn’t forget anything, did I?
