Nominication Manner: Filling of Glasses

Posted on May 18, 2007 by hazel

It is customary to attend some afterwork parties. Japanese people love to hold parties for every conceivable occasion. Drinking is the focus of most parties. Most of the Japanese I know would eat little but drink more during parties. This drinking spree is fondly called as “nominication”. This term is a combination of “nomi” which means drinking or drinks and “communication”. This means socializing or establishing better communication through drinking parties. I jokingly mentioned the term “nominication” to my boss when he was about to leave to attend a party. He was quite impressed of my knowledge about the term.

I received a tip from my fellow gaijinJapanese word meaning "outsider" commonly used to describe foreigners. Considered somewhat impolite. employee about what to observe during company dining parties. The rule: do not fill your own glass. Everyone pours for everyone except his or her own. My boss told me that this is part of their strict etiquette. I also make sure that my boss’ glass is never empty unless he says otherwise. If ever somebody would offer to pour for you, hold your glass with both hands while they pour and at least take a sip from your glass after they pour. It is usually the practice here to take a sip or drink straight before putting your glass back on the table.

Since I do not drink alcohol or beer during parties, I have established my condition at the first ordering of drinks by choosing juice or tea. This is because, during parties, wine keeps on flowing like water. In fact, drinks are endless during Japanese parties, much more than the foods. If you can’t handle your cup well, better leave your glass full, otherwise people will keep on pouring to your glass and you’ll keep on drinking ‘til you drop.

I noticed their pleasant surprise every time I poured for them or do something so “Japanese”. Being foreigners and all, it will not kill us to be a Roman in Rome. Amazing what one could achieve by this simple gesture of cultural deference.