The Year-End Drinking Culture: Understanding Failures and Medical Warnings During Bonyenkai Season

As the year concludes, many look forward to year-end parties, known as "bonyenkai" in Japan, which celebrate reunions and acknowledge the hard work of the year. However, these celebrations can also lead to significant regrets due to alcohol consumption. A recent survey by Sizen Shokken Co., Ltd. unraveled experiences related to drinking failures during this festive period and highlighted the dangers outlined by medical professionals.

Survey Overview

Conducted between November 7 and 9, 2025, the survey focused on two groups: individuals aged 20-60 who consume alcohol at least once a week and internal medicine doctors. A total of 1,042 participants shared their experiences regarding alcohol-related failures during bonyenkai, revealing alarming statistics and insights.

Key Findings

Approximately 60% of respondents admitted to having had some sort of drinking-related failure during past bonyenkai events. When asked about the nature of these failures, the leading response was "loss of memory" (54.9%), followed by "missing the last train" (42.9%) and "falling ill" (29.8%). This indicates that many individuals lose track of their alcohol intake in the celebratory atmosphere of these events, leading to possible health and safety concerns.

The aftermath of such drinking failures can extend beyond personal health, affecting social and economic aspects of life. When respondents reflected on their troubles post-drinking, 62% reported physical ailments such as hangovers or headaches, and 33.1% mentioned unnecessary expenses incurred as a result of their drinking habits.

Prevention Measures

To combat drinking failures, survey participants shared common preventive measures. The most popular strategy was staying hydrated, with 37.5% citing this as their primary approach. Other notable methods included consuming herbal supplements like turmeric (29.9%) and eating before drinking (22.3%). Additionally, post-party recovery actions focused on hydration, with many relying on electrolyte drinks and warm meals to recuperate.

Medical Professionals' Concerns

Insights from internal medicine doctors indicate a significant rise in alcohol-related health issues during the bonyenkai season. Over 90% of surveyed doctors expressed concern about the increase in incidents such as acute alcohol poisoning, hangovers, and dehydration, especially with the combination of colder weather and physical fatigue.

When asked to identify risky behaviors, doctors cited binge drinking (47.8%) and drinking on an empty stomach (46.6%) as top offenders. Such practices are common in social scenarios, which emphasizes the need for awareness and education to prevent potential health crises associated with alcohol consumption.

Emphasizing Liver Health

To mitigate alcohol’s adverse effects, maintaining liver health is vital. When discussing best practices, 50.7% of doctors recommended regular hydration, followed closely by controlling drinking quantities (47.6%) and incorporating natural ingredients like shijimi and turmeric into diets (38.1%). This trend towards natural, health-supportive components is gaining traction among both consumers and healthcare professionals.

Interestingly, around 80.2% of doctors believe that products containing these natural ingredients are easy to incorporate consistently into one’s diet, indicating a growing acceptance of preventive health measures rooted in natural remedies.

Conclusion

In summary, while bonyenkai celebrations serve as an essential aspect of Japanese culture, the potential health pitfalls associated with excessive drinking cannot be overlooked. With nearly 60% reporting past failures tied to alcohol, proper measures must be taken to ensure that these gatherings remain joyful yet safe. Cultivating awareness around responsible drinking practices, prioritizing hydration, and focusing on liver health through dietary choices are fundamental steps everyone should embrace. Ultimately, the festive season should highlight connection and celebration while safeguarding our well-being.

Sizen Shokken Co., Ltd. promotes these ideals through their health products, including the "Shijimi Habit," designed to support healthy liver function and ensure a safer drinking experience during the holiday season.