If you’ve ever attended a drinking party in Japan, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “Toriaezu, beer” (“For now, beer”). It’s a common and seemingly casual phrase, but did you know it reflects deeper cultural and psychological tendencies? In this article, we’ll explore why this phrase has become a staple in Japanese drinking culture. Let’s uncover the reasons behind this default order and what it reveals about Japanese group dynamics and drinking customs.
Why Japanese People Say “For Now, Beer”
Beer’s “Safe Choice” and Its Social Qualities
The phrase “For now, beer” has become ubiquitous in Japan’s drinking culture, largely due to beer’s reputation as a safe, socially inclusive choice. First, beer is relatively mild in alcohol content and widely accepted as a drink that most people can enjoy. This makes it a reliable option when making a quick, collective order at the start of a party.
Additionally, beer’s frothy head adds a celebratory touch to any toast. When everyone raises their glasses and shouts “Kanpai!” (cheers), the foam enhances the visual impact, creating a festive mood. Its golden hue symbolizes happiness and vitality, psychologically signaling the beginning of an enjoyable evening. Beer, even when ordered casually, is the ultimate mood-setter.
The Compatibility of Beer with Japan’s Toast Culture
In Japan, it’s customary to kick off a drinking party with a toast. This toast culture pairs exceptionally well with beer, another reason “For now, beer” has become the norm. Beer is served cold and arrives quickly, ensuring no delays in the ceremonial first toast.
Moreover, having everyone hold the same drink during the toast fosters a sense of unity. In a culture that values group cohesion, uniformity during the toast is seen as a form of respect and harmony. Beer fits this role perfectly, as it’s visually uniform and universally acceptable.
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Why Other Drinks Are Rarely Chosen First
The Japanese Emphasis on “Harmony in the Group”
Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on “wa” (harmony). This value extends to drinking parties, where aligning one’s actions with the group is considered polite and appropriate. During the initial toast, everyone choosing the same drink is viewed as a way to maintain this harmony. Deviating from the norm might be perceived as disrupting the flow.
“For now, beer” also minimizes the risk of singling anyone out. Spending too much time deciding what to order could stall the party’s momentum. By choosing beer, the group can start the festivities without delay.
The Psychological Barriers to Choosing Something Else
Ordering something other than beer can create subtle psychological hurdles. You might wonder, “Will I stand out too much?” or “Will people think I’m not following the group?” These concerns often deter individuals from choosing an alternative.
There’s also a fear of misinterpretation. Holding a non-beer drink, such as a cocktail or soda, during the toast might lead others to think you don’t drink alcohol, even if that’s not the case. For these reasons, beer often becomes the default choice at Japanese drinking parties.
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How to Break Free from “For Now” and Make Your Own Choice
The Courage to Assert Your Preferences at a Drinking Party
While going along with “For now, beer” isn’t inherently bad, asserting your personal preferences can enhance your enjoyment. For example, you could politely say, “I’ll start with a soda for now and switch to my favorite drink later.” This allows you to stay aligned with the group dynamic while honoring your own tastes.
Alternatively, if the group says “For now, beer,” you can confidently respond, “I’ll have [specific drink], though!” Such statements are often well-received and add a touch of individuality to the group dynamic.
Expanding Options with Alternative First-Round Suggestions
To break away from the “For now, beer” routine, you can propose alternative options to the group in advance. For instance, suggesting “Why don’t we all start with lemon sours?” or “Let’s toast with non-alcoholic drinks today!” can lead to surprising agreement.
If you’re the organizer, taking charge and encouraging a variety of first drinks is another effective approach. Saying something like, “Feel free to pick your favorite drink for the toast!” can set the tone for a more inclusive and diverse start to the evening.
Image by Steve Buissinne from Pixabay
Conclusion
The phrase “For now, beer” reflects deeply ingrained values in Japanese culture, such as group harmony and efficient coordination. It’s a product of social norms that prioritize collective enjoyment over individual preferences. However, there’s room to challenge this tradition and embrace diversity in drink choices.
The next time you attend a drinking party, why not try stepping away from “For now, beer” and order your favorite drink instead? It could spark interesting conversations and create a fresh dynamic in the group. By understanding the psychology and culture behind this common phrase, you can approach your next drinking occasion with a more informed and confident mindset. Cheers!
Image by 👀 Mabel Amber, who will one day from Pixabay
