Bonenkai translates to "end-of-year" party. I call them Christmas parties. But, the true meaning of bonenkai is closer to something like "a party to forget the past year, and then after the party is over, never think about last year and focus on the coming year". Either way, they are Japanese custom, take place in December and celebrate the past year (as opposed to the coming New Year).
Every group has one. And, thus, belonging to many groups, I am invited to many. Often the times conflict. Most Japanese, in December, have one night a week, and both weekend nights filled with Bonenkais. It's easy to get bonenkai'ed out. I often say I have another bonenkai to get out of going to a different one. Marie had about 5 JUST for her work: A company wide one, a departmental one, a smaller team one, and two with client's departments. I had 2 for work (I did opt out of one by using the aforementioned technique), 1 for soccer, one for the company I do consulting at, etc. I will say that a huge company like Citigroup really overdoes their party and it's amazing they're still in business after spending that much money each year).
First, was the company I do consulting at. It was very nice of them to invite me AND Marie, since I am not there fulltime. We got to enjoy lots of free food and drink all night. Next was, the samurai soccer team party. You can see the pictures at the end.
Ok, new topic. Christmas Eve day and eve here is unlike that in America. Here, it's more like a Valentine's Day and New Year's Eve mixed together. In Japan, it's referred to as the biggest date night of the year. But, it's also a big party night (liek that of New Year's Eve in the states). Conversely, New Year's Day here is more like Christmas in the States: Spending time with family, cooking and eating lots of food, and exchanging gifts (albeit a single, small one, usually).
All that said, Marie and I went out for our Christmas Eve day/night date. First, we went to a new modern design store (since marie likes interior design). They had all kinds of futuristic furniture and household items and mnay other crazy things. There, we also attended an Oxygen Bar where you can breathe oxygen (yes, took science in Junior High and I still paid money to do that). Keep in mind, the Oxygen at the Oxygen Bar is flavored. It was a neat experience, but something I never need to do again. After that, it turned out we were in Marie's old neighborhood, so we walked by her old apartment where she lived for a year. Then , we went to another big town in Tokyo and walked around and took in all the sites and shopping. Next, had dinner at a really good Brazilian BBQ restaurant. Lastly, strolled around that town a little more taking in all the lights and museums.
For Christmas day we were invited to Marie's mom's dance. Her mom takes a dance class like 2 or 3 times a week and this was something her mom has been practicing for all year. It was in a very nice hotel and consisted of a 7 course dinner among other things. There were about 10 featured dances - waltzes, tango, etc. to big band and other music. We got all dressed up, and Marie invited one extra friend because we had an extra ticket. The ballroom it was in was amazing and her mom was so good it looked professional. Intermittently, they had free dances where anyone could dance, and we all tryed (although I am absolutely horrible and was very embarrassed). They also played some Christmas songs during the free dance periods so it definitely felt like Christmas to me. It was a very nice way to celebrate the Holidays even though I couldn't be home for them.
For New Year's Eve, New Year's Day, and the days surrounding it, everyone has off of work (me included). Marie went to visit relatives far away (3 hours by train). I stayed home in the apartment and had a wonderful break working on a personal project on the computer (and no it's not called playing XBOX games for 4 days straight while not showering). It was quite nice and felt like a vacation - It was the first time since living together I had a break. But, I was also quite glad to see her when she came back.
I'll be home from the 13th to the 20th and look forward to seeing you - you, whoever reads this drivel.
