In the corporate culture of Japan, there is a strong push to go out with one's co-workers. Generally speaking, I think this is also true in the US. However, it is not to quite the same extent at it is here. In some cases, salesmen go out drinking with their clients on a weekly basis. All this is to say, that when there is an office party, all are expected to attend or have a good excuse as to why they can't. So, I have been to 4 or 5 work organized, or work related events. And I think that's the low end. Anyway, this weekend was my office's x-mas party, and I have to admit that it was the best office party I've been to yet.



The party was at a bar called Tatula. It is also a bartenders' school, just fyi. The bar was rather small. It held four large tables of 6-8 people and about 12 people could sit at the bar itself. We met our co-workers down the street about 15 minutes before the party began. Of course, our boss gave a short speech at pre-determined moments throughout the night. So, after the first of these we all headed indoors to the bar. Inside we sat with our students and tried to intersperse ourselves the best we could. Our staff and students filled every seat in the place.

The food was also better than any other party food I'd had. It's true that at these parties, food is a bit stingy, but at least the quality was good. :) And drinks were free, so we were drinking plum wine. If you have never tried plum wine, I highly recommend it. It's rather sweet, almost like a dessert wine, but still tasty with appetizers.

We happened to sit with some students who I really like, so I was happy to talk to them about their holiday (New Year's) plans, what kind of coffee they prefer, where is the best place in Nagoya to eat shrimp, and various other topics. 2 hours flew by pretty fast. Then the bartenders put on a show. They threw around bottles and glasses to a crazy techno beat. Everyone was clapping and having a good time. One bartender even blew fire. He only did it once, but still. The atmosphere was great.

Then, after the party, everyone hung around outside chatting. You could tell that everyone was enjoying themselves. Some of our students are still in the beginning levels of English, but it certainly didn't stop them from enjoying the shindig. And we had a great time too. :)

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