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Well, I don't drink alcohol. At all. How could I say that to a Japanese person and not be rude?
It seems like they drink a lot for occasions, meetings, outings, blah blah blah.
I don't want to come off as weird or disrespectful.

What is a nice way to tell a Japanese person that I don't drink alcohol?





Thank you!

just say アルコールはだめです or アルコールは飲みません or anything - it works fine for me! They might ask you why (mostly because they're insanely curious about the inner workings of the gaijin mind ), but they'll respect it. It's really not that weird or disrespectful, I promise! I have never had someone be upset with me for not drinking at a function.

Yep, no biggie. I'd be shocked if there were no other people at that gathering in the same boat as you as well. I always have at least a few co-workers that don't drink, especially out in the country since they can't if they want to get home.

Thank you so much! I was really worried there. I get bashed for it even in my hometown in America. I thought it would be the same in Japan too.

It's good to hear there are people that don't drink also. It won't be so awkward now. Haha.

Thanks again!

I suppose the Japanese are fine with you not drinking alcohol. They usually respect people's personal decisions regarding their lifestyle etc.

It would harder in China. Here it can really be offending to say no to somebody who pours 白酒 in your glass while sharing a meal.

the trick is to say 'no' before they start pouring Sometimes the teachers I work with will forget, so just be vigilant as to what they're trying to put in your glass when they're making the rounds!

Bashed for not drinking? That's pretty sad. I can see if you are in high school or something but as an adult? Wow.

well not everyone is quite so open-minded or accepting (or maybe the word I'm looking for is "mature"? ), sadly

I was surprised when I first came to the Japanese school system here in Hokkaido too. Most every teacher drinks, but not necessary like fish. Out of politeness, I drank for the first few months. But, being an adult (and that I don't like drinking), I decided to make the decision for myself, and quit completely. Japanese culture strongly encourages conformity, but its not so radically different than in America or elsewhere. However, I've noticed that while people here in Japan are more likely to encourage foreigners to drink to kick back, have fun, and socialize, they also usually respect (and anticipate) lifestyle differences. Vegetarianism, quitting alcohol, and abstaining from formalities* may frustrate/confuse some Japanese people, but you shouldn't be concerned with every detractor (just like anywhere else, you can't please everyone). These are personal choices, made for personal, well-meaning reasons (I hope). As long as you stick to your customs and life decisions, people will respect them. Will the die-hard super drinkers avoid you? Likely yes, but I think you're better off not drinking if you don't want to. I still go out with my Japanese coworkers and friends when they drink, and I drink Cola or ice tea.

*By the way, I recommend using basic formalities (simple keigo, bowing) where appropriate, and as you can. If you can't, you can't.

I'm glad to hear some stories about some experiences. My pen pal drinks but I haven't told her that I don't drink yet. I guess because we haven't met face-to-face before. I wasn't sure of the time that we do meet, what I should say to her.
Although, I want to prepare to become polite so that I don't offend anyone.

And yes, I am becoming an adult. I am not in high school, haha. I don't drink and don't plan to. Where I live in the states, most teenagers are drinking at like 16! I find that disgusting. Considering the law.


@Nolan
I've actually been to China when I was in high school. I went with my teachers and they had to practically talk them into not letting the kids drink. It was a really funny situation. The teachers had to drink our cups in order to satisfy them. xD