What is an Enkai?
An enkai is a Japanese work party — a chance for coworkers to bond outside the office, usually over a shared meal and/or drinks. These gatherings often happen to welcome new staff, celebrate the end of a term, or mark other milestones (like 60th birthdays). Sometimes, there’s a nijikai (second party) afterward at a different venue or even a sanjikai (third party) too!
What to Expect:
Enkais typically involve food and drinks. They might be a set course menu or an all-you-can-eat/drink (tabe-nomi-houdai) style.
You’ll either pay a fixed price in advance (often between ¥3000–¥8000) or settle up afterward with the cost split evenly. It may be more if you attend any nijikais or sanjikais after the main event.
If you don’t drink alcohol, that’s totally okay — but note the price may stay the same.
Drinking and driving (or biking) is illegal and strictly enforced in Japan. Always plan a safe way home.
Note – Japan’s Drinking and Driving Laws
Drinking and driving — even riding a bicycle — is strictly illegal in Japan. Penalties include fines, jail time, and even deportation. Always make a plan to get home safely: walk, take a taxi, use public transport, or catch a ride with someone who hasn’t been drinking.
Dress code:
Smart casual – you are attending a work event with colleagues so please be sure to dress smart but comfortably.
On the Day:
Greet your coworkers when you arrive. If someone is organizing the event, check in with them — sometimes you pay at this point.
You should be on time, however, if you are late, you should contact someone to inform them that you will be late. In these cases, it is likely they will start the event without you, although this is not a big issue.
You may have free seating, assigned seats, or draw a number for your spot.
Wait for the official toast (kanpai) before drinking anything.
Feel free to move around and chat with others once the party gets going.
After some closing remarks, the party wraps up — unless you join the nijikai!
Remember, you’re not expected to drink or stay out late. Just enjoy the chance to connect with your coworkers — and get home safely.
Cancellations:
- If you cancel your your attendance at the last minute, you may still be expected to pay the cost of attendance.
Special – 60th Birthday Enkais:
Celebrations for colleagues turning 60 are also held in Japan as they are considered a milestone birthday. On these occasions, you will usually be invited to a birthday party with your colleagues and a present will be involved. These occasions can cost more, around ¥10,000 for the event itself and an additional ¥2000–¥3000 for the present. While you do not have to go to the event, you will still be expected to contribute to the present.
Special – Sobetsuenkais:
A sōbetsukai (送別会) is a farewell party held to say goodbye and show appreciation to someone who is leaving a workplace, school, or community. In Japan, it’s a common tradition to have a friendly gathering—often with food and drinks—when a teacher, coworker, or friend transfers, retires, or finishes their time at a job. People might give small speeches, share memories, and sometimes give a parting gift.
It’s a way to say “thank you” and “good luck” in a warm, respectful setting.
Lastly…
Remember to have fun and enjoy getting to know some of your teacher’s in a more relaxed setting! If there is a new teacher, it is a good opportunity to also get to know them before they become overwhelmed with their all their new duties. Enjoy!
