Last Sunday was my company's Bonenkai. Literally, this means "forget the year party". It is customary for every employer or social club to have one. We went to a French restaurant where we ate traditional Christmas fare like turkey with cranberry sauce along with Japanese food like sushi. A curious mix but nonetheless delicious. Andrea, as our oldest colleague was given the task of carving the turkey. His effort was so masterful the restaurant owner gave him a small bottle of brandy to say thank you. We ate and drank and thankfully speeches were kept to a minumum 
(in more formal Japanese company the speeches can sometimes drag on for hours).Afterwards, having drunk much wine and champagne I attempted to make a tower of bottles (see picture). First three and then four bottles were balanced on top of each other but five sadly eluded me.
Next we went to karaoke (only my second since I came to Japan). A variety of songs, English and Japanese were rendered in less than dulcet voices. I sang "More than words" despite many protests from my colleages. Karaoke in Japan comes with a free drinks and snacks bar you can use.
The "Mister Whippy" style ice cream dispenser was almost emptied by our group. Eventually we left and to cap off a great party it started snowing heavily outside. Ah, Christmas. Tis the most wonderful time of the year.
