What Is a Bonenkai? Japan's Year-End Party Season Explained
Bōnenkai (忘年会) literally means “forget-the-year party”. It is a year-end party held by companies, teams, clubs and groups of friends, mostly in December. The idea is to put the year’s troubles behind you and start the new year fresh.
What happens
A bonenkai is a nomikai, usually bigger and more festive: a set course at an izakaya or restaurant, a toast, sometimes speeches, games or a raffle at company parties. Many groups then move on to a nijikai, and some to a sanjikai.
Bonenkai and shinnenkai
| Bonenkai | Shinnenkai | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | Forget-the-year party | New-year party |
| When | Mostly December | Mostly January |
| Mood | Closing the year | Starting the year |
What the season means for visitors
- Restaurants and izakaya are busy, especially on Friday evenings in December. Book early if you want a table for a group.
- Nightlife districts are crowded on the same nights, and trains late in the evening are full.
- Hostess clubs and lounges are busier too. If you plan to visit one, choose it and confirm the price structure in advance: see hostess club prices.
- Taxis can be hard to find after the last train on peak nights.
If you are invited
Join in. It is a good chance to get to know colleagues. Pay the fee the organiser sets, join the toast, and leave after the first party if you need to. That is normal.
In short
Bonenkai is Japan’s year-end party season, mostly in December. If you are visiting then, expect busy restaurants and nightlife, and book early.
Visiting Japan in December?
Tell us the city, date, group size and budget. We reply on WhatsApp with options and the full price structure before you go. There is no fee for you.
Frequently asked questions
- What does bonenkai mean?
- Bōnenkai (忘年会) means "forget-the-year party": a year-end party held by companies, teams, clubs and groups of friends to put the year's troubles behind them.
- When is bonenkai season, and what is shinnenkai?
- Bonenkai are mostly held in December. Shinnenkai (新年会) is the new-year party, mostly in January.
- What does the season mean for visitors?
- Restaurants, izakaya and nightlife districts are busy, especially on Friday evenings in December, and taxis can be hard to find after the last train. Book early.
Also written as: bonenkai / 忘年会 / 忘年會 / 망년회
ClearTab Japan