This Is How Japan Handles Drunk Drivers And Malaysia Should Take Note

Drinking Culture In Japan

A Twitter user that goes by the name Fitri Yusof (@drfitriyusof) recently shared his experiences with Japan’s drinking culture. Emphasizing that Japanese and liquor are inseparable but they are doing great at keeping it in check.

In Japan, booze is a must-have in every festivity or event. Be it the traditional liquor (sake, 酒) or the modern liquor (beer, ビール). They will also host a Nomikai (飲み会) or a drinking session, every time there are new members joining university or at work. This is how they get to know each other in an organization. Drinkers will routinely choose beer while Muslims, non-drinkers, or those that haven’t reach the age of 19 can choose Ginger Ale or Orange Juice.

Strict Penalties

The group usually travels to more than 2 eateries. And by the end of each Nomikai, each person is obligated to grab a taxi or ride on public transportation (densha toka). As most people will get drunk on Friday night, the police will do a check-up on drivers every Friday evening.

Even Booze Vendors Are Strict

Another netizen added to the thread that even restaurants are strict. Upon seated, the waiter will ask you to fill a form if you are going to drink. The restaurant will refuse to serve alcohol to drunk driving customers. The customers will have to declare whether they will get drunk or not that night.

Customers even have to explain how they will travel back home. Among the solutions that they will take are:

• Public transportation.
• Walk back home.
• Getting picked up by their partner.
• Take turns to drive. In this case, one person in the group will not drink booze for the night.