Learn from a Kokkeibon (Comic Novellas) from the Edo Period – “Don’t be a Vicious Drinker”

Apr. 1 (Fri.),2022

Welcome back! A new fiscal year has begun and now is the time to meet new people through the various life-stage transitions, including company personnel change, company transfer, moving on to the next school grade, going on to the next stage of education and more. Events such as farewell parties and welcome parties are often held during this period, where people enjoy eating and drinking sake together. Good drinking manners should be shown during parties.

In this post, we would like to introduce some funny and dishonorable drinking habits abstracted from the Kokkeibon (comic novellas) “Tsukinu Izumi” (lit. means “inexhaustible fountain”) published in the Edo period. Let’s learn from the book and try not to be a vicious drinker!

1. A Quarrelsome Drinker

1. A Quarrelsome Drinker

“This type of drinker curses at others for petty things as he/she gets drunk, and even throw dishes and smashes them into pieces” (quoted from “Tsukinu Izumi”). It becomes a helpless situation when someone gets so quarrelsome when drunk. Hopefully this kind of person exists only in the books!

2. A Talkative Drinker

2. A Talkative Drinker

“After drinking five or six cups of sake, this type of drinker becomes more and more talkative. He/she keeps talking about all kinds of things, such as the story of his/her life, gossip and nonsensical babbling…” (quoted from “Tsukinu Izumi”). This type of person gets a loose tongue as he/she gets drunk and keeps talking nonsense. Do you feel like this case describes you…!?

3. A Merry Drinker

3. A Merry Drinker

“A merry drinker rarely exists; this type of drinker laughs a lot when drunk. This type should not be included in the category of a vicious drinker, but he/she might erupt into giggles even at unfunny things and continue laughing. In that case, the person looks as if he/she has been infected by laughing sickness” (quoted from “Tsukinu Izumi”). The author of the book says that people usually pleasantly chat as they drink together, which is not a case of a vicious drinker. Still, a person who keeps laughing at unfunny things and creates an atmosphere that disturb others could be an example of a vicious drinker.

As described, there are various types of vicious drinkers, from mild types to intense types. You may want to avoid drinking with all of them. Many other types of vicious drinkers are described in the book. Drinking together is aimed to create smooth mutual communication. We should avoid drinking too much which could turn us into vicious drinkers. Please keep those examples in your mind and share this topic with your company during a drinking party, and have fun!

酒くん

I’ll make you understand the depth of sake brewing!

桜子ちゃん

Oh, sake has been loved and enjoyed by people just like sakura.