飲み会 (nomikai) is a Japanese social gathering where colleagues, friends, or acquaintances come together to drink and enjoy food. These events often take place after work and serve as a way to strengthen relationships and build camaraderie among participants. Common venues for 飲み会 include izakayas, which are casual Japanese pubs, and restaurants. During a 飲み会, participants typically share drinks like beer, sake, or shochu, along with various dishes. The atmosphere is usually relaxed and informal, encouraging open conversation and bonding. 飲み会 is an important aspect of Japanese culture, reflecting the value placed on social connections in both personal and professional settings.