I posted about the Art of Nomikai in Japan recently.
The first post was mainly an introduction and it would not be fair not to share a little more on what can be expected in a Nomikai.
In order to make it simple, I will try to describe the different characters you might encounter in a Nomikai.
The Claimer:
You have to know that often during a Nomikai and especially after several drinks, peoples will start to change seats.
Some peoples will then approach you and you might meet the Claimer.
Either male or female, this person will try to take this occasion to pass some message. Especially if you are in any management position, he or she has a better view on how to manage the company and would give you friendly advice. At the same time he or she will sometimes complain about some other colleagues or some rules in the company and will give you again some advice on how to deal with it.
Hint: Be patient, listen but do not commit to anything. Keep in mind that in a Nomikai almost everything is allowed and forgiven the next day.
The Charmer:
Well, as in the title, this person will try to get close to you and might talk about his or her expectations in the company. (either a salary increase, a new position, or other).
Hint: Be polite, again patient but try not to spend to much time as other colleagues might look at you and feel you are giving some preference to this person.
The “I am totally drunk and your best friend, and by the way I love foreigners”:
Dealing with this type of person will require all your calm, wisdom and patience.
It often happens that after some drinks (or even more), peoples not used to deal with foreign persons will challenge themselves and talk to you.
In most of the cases, it will not be related to the company business but in general about countries, cultures and so on.
Hint: He or She might talk for hours, so please invite someone to join this talk and quietly move on.
This is a very short description of the peoples you might meet in a Nomikai. But let’s be fair, this is not only happening in Japan, but in most countries where you have a different culture I believe.
Finally, in worst cases, too much drunk peoples might fall down, you might see blood, you might witness huge conflicts, but at the end, please remember that the next day “all is forgiven” and nobody will talk about what happened the last night and especially in a Gaishikei.
So take it easy. I think I will add this post also to City-Cost as a follow-up.
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