APD | Platform provides virtual drinking parties for Japanese at home amid pandemic

APD NEWS

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By APD writer Alice

Gathering for drinking is an integral part in the life of many people, especially those in Japan, where drinking parties, called “Nomikai” in Japanese, have become a culture.

Recently, a technology company in Japan has launched a video chat website that helps connect those with an appetite for dining during the time of social distancing due to the COVID-19 pandemic that has made bars and restaurants closed.

Tacnom, which means ‘drinking at home’ in Japanese, does not require users to register like other online video platforms. Instead, users can create a URL link and share it with their friends to join an online party for up to 12 people.

Takashi Kiyose, chief executive of Tacnom's operator 1010 Inc., expressed hope that the service can help users meet people they cannot see now. “I would be very happy if their time at home due to self-restraints from going out will be enriched," Kiyose said.

Winning the hearts of big fans of drinking, the platform has attracted 2.4 million users since it was launched in March.

Tacnom is expected to continue to create a fever in Japan as the government decided to extend the state of emergency until the end of May, meaning that people still stay at home to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, many companies in Japan have provided funding for their employees to drink online at home as a way to keep their traditional culture and boost cohesion among colleagues when they work from home because of the disease.

"Nomikai" is considered a culture in Japan, especially in the workplace. With an after-work drinking party where workmates have the opportunity to get together and share a lot of stories about their own life.

Gree, a Japanese mobile game developer, provided its official employees and apprentices with 3,000 JPY ($27) per month each to buy food and drinks to join the online party through the video call software. Employees joining the party must take screenshots of the video call to confirm their participation and receive money from the company.

Gree's representative said the company has started working from home since mid-February and worried that this would make the relationship between colleagues fade. Therefore, online drinking parties have been organized to connect staff members.

Value Creation, a Tokyo-based online advertising agency, also gave 8,000 JPY (approximately $75) per month to employees who are working at home to help them connect with their colleagues through online drinking parties.

Linkbal, an event-hosting company also based in Tokyo, with its staff currently working from home, also held an online party with the participation of 30 employees, including three new ones. The party offered a place for employees to talk about everything from work to life... It was organized in groups of four, and after 20 minutes, group members were exchanged. Party expenses were paid by the company.

Tomokazu Kurita, a former employee of a website specializing in organizing online parties, said that such parties brought many benefits to employees who had to work remotely and did not meet with colleagues every day.

“It's hard to stay motivated when you're at home and working alone. Online drinking parties allow employees to share issues they are facing with their colleagues, even on the screen, but it also helps reduce stress,” said Tomokazu Kurita. Online parties bring many benefits for both companies and their employees. Many firms fund these events as a way to encourage the staff to work better amid the pandemic.

Japan has so far recorded about 15,000 coronavirus cases, and 633 deaths from the virus.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)