Five lies to help you get out of Japan’s dreaded end-of-the-year office parties soranews24.com

Literally translating as “forget the year party,” bonenkai are end-of-the-year celebrations, generally held in the second half of December.
In reality, though, many people find them about as enjoyable as Japan’s loathed company trips.
Of course, you could sidestep all that by simply not going, but in team-oriented Japan, that’s easier said than done.
If you’re going to skip a bonenkai, you need a good excuse.
But barring a divorce and remarriage, your spouse’s birthday is going to be on the exact same day every year.