“Oshaku” (お酌) is a Japanese custom involving the pouring of drinks for others, typically seen in social and business settings. This tradition reflects the cultural importance of hospitality and respect in Japan.
Contents
The Basics of Oshaku
- Hospitality: Oshaku is a way to show consideration and respect to others, reinforcing social bonds.
- Reciprocity: It’s customary to pour drinks for each other, not just for oneself. This mutual exchange fosters a sense of connection.
How Oshaku Works
Here is the link of Oshaku. Please watch and try it out.
Snackyokocho_japan(@snackyokocho_japan) • Instagram写真と動画
- Pouring for Others: When someone’s glass is empty or low, it’s polite to refill it. Use both hands to hold the bottle or sake flask.
- Receiving a Drink: When someone offers to pour a drink for you, hold your glass with both hands as a sign of appreciation.
- Returning the Favor: After receiving a drink, it’s courteous to offer to pour one for the other person in return.
If you want to enjoy a tour of Japan's hidden alleyways, I recommend the "Snack Alley" tour.
Tips for Oshaku
- Be Attentive: Pay attention to others’ glasses and offer to pour before they need to ask.
- Use Both Hands: This shows respect and care when pouring and receiving drinks.
- Enjoy the Interaction: Oshaku is not just about drinking; it’s about the social interaction and the bonds it strengthens.
＼Would you like to enjoy interacting with locals in Tokyo?／
Common Expressions
- おっとっと (Ototto)
- Meaning: “Oops!” or “Careful!”
- Usage: Used when you’re pouring a drink and the liquid almost overflows or spills. It’s a light-hearted way to acknowledge a near-mishap.
- まあまあまあ (Mā mā mā)
- Meaning: “That’s enough, that’s enough.”
- Usage: Used when someone is pouring a drink for you and you want to indicate that your glass is sufficiently full. It’s a polite way to signal the pourer to stop.
Expressions Used During Oshaku
- Pouring Drinks: If you’re pouring a drink for someone and it almost spills, you might say “おっとっと” with a smile, acknowledging the close call.
- Receiving Drinks: When someone is pouring a drink for you and you feel your glass is full enough, gently say “まあまあまあ” to indicate they can stop pouring. This helps to avoid waste and shows you’re paying attention to the interaction.
Conclusion
Oshaku is a meaningful tradition in Japan, emphasizing hospitality, respect, and social connection. By participating in oshaku, you engage in a cultural practice that enhances the shared experience of any gathering. Using these expressions adds friendliness and politeness to the oshaku experience, enhancing the social interaction.
＼Experience Oshaku and a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide.／
Let’s go to Izakaya and a Japanese Snack-bar with a fun guide!!
You can enjoy many kinds of drinks at Izakaya and drinking culture Snack Bars, beloved by many but you can’t enter without a guide. You can enjoy communication with the owner and other customers, as well as singing karaoke, allowing for a relaxing time.
Most snack bars have a policy of refusing entry to foreigners. However, with a tour, you’ll have a guide, so you can enter with peace of mind.
When visiting Japan, don’t just check off the tourist spots –
dive into local experiences for an unforgettable journey!
Once you experience it, you’ll be captivated too! The charm of snack bars.
New encounters with people! The camaraderie of singing at a snack bar! Conversations with the mama-san!
