If you’re looking to spice up your next party with a unique cultural twist, Japanese drinking games are the perfect way to do it. Known for their creativity and variety, these games are a great way to bring friends together, have fun, and enjoy a drink or two. Whether you're gathering in a small group or hosting a big bash, Japanese drinking games will keep the energy high and the laughs flowing.
Let’s explore some of the most popular and entertaining Japanese drinking games that are sure to make your next party a memorable one.
1. Kakurenbo (The Hiding Game)
Kakurenbo is a classic Japanese drinking game that’s similar to the childhood game of hide-and-seek but with a drinking twist. Perfect for groups, it combines elements of fun, strategy, and surprise.
How to Play:
- One person is designated as “it” and closes their eyes.
- The other players quietly hide around the room.
- After a set time, the person who is “it” tries to find the hidden players. If someone is found, they must take a drink.
- If no one is found within a certain time, the person who’s “it” takes a drink.
- The game continues until everyone has had a chance to be "it."
Kakurenbo is all about sneakiness, suspense, and laughter, making it a perfect game for parties where you want to mix things up with a game of hide-and-seek. It’s simple to play, and the element of surprise keeps everyone on their toes.
2. Ichiro (The One-Hit Game)
Ichiro is a quick and simple Japanese drinking game that tests your reaction time and memory. It’s easy to set up and perfect for fast-paced fun with friends.
How to Play:
- Players sit in a circle with a glass of their chosen drink.
- One player starts by saying "Ichiro," then names an object or item (e.g., "pen").
- The next player must say “Ichiro” and name something related to the previous item (e.g., "paper").
- The third player continues the sequence, naming an item related to the last.
- If anyone hesitates, repeats an item, or gets stuck, they must take a drink.
The game is fast and fun, and it helps break the ice at parties while making everyone think quickly. It’s perfect for groups who want something simple but enjoyable that doesn’t require too much setup or equipment.
3. Power Hour (Paowā Awa)
Power Hour is a popular Japanese drinking game that’s both competitive and hilarious. It’s a game that keeps players on their toes, demanding quick reflexes and sharp memory.
How to Play:
- A group of players takes turns in a circle.
- The first player starts by taking a shot of alcohol (usually sake or beer).
- The next player must immediately take a drink once the previous person finishes their shot.
- This continues until all players have taken a drink in rapid succession.
- The game ends when someone can’t keep up or messes up the sequence, and they must drink a penalty shot.
The beauty of Power Hour lies in its speed and the intensity it creates. It’s perfect for players who are looking for a bit of competition and don’t mind a challenge.
4. Hanafuda (Flower Card Drinking Game)
Based on the traditional Japanese card game, Hanafuda, this drinking game is a fun way to engage in a bit of strategy and luck while enjoying drinks with friends.
How to Play:
- Use a Hanafuda deck (traditional Japanese flower cards) or any standard deck of cards.
- Players take turns drawing cards and placing them face-up in front of them.
- Depending on the card drawn, players must take a drink or assign one to someone else.
- The game continues until one player is left with the least amount of drinks to take.
- For an added challenge, certain card combinations could force a player to take multiple drinks, adding an element of strategy to the game.
With its combination of chance and strategy, Hanafuda is great for those who enjoy card games but want a drinking twist to keep things interesting. It’s a fantastic way to mix traditional Japanese culture with modern party fun.
5. Oicho-Kabu (The Japanese Card Game)
Similar to Blackjack, Oicho-Kabu is a classic Japanese card game played at drinking parties. It's based on a simple numerical system and requires players to make quick decisions while balancing strategy and luck.
How to Play:
- Players take turns drawing cards from a deck, and the goal is to get a hand closest to the target value (usually 9).
- Each player adds their card’s value, but when the total exceeds 9, the second digit becomes the value of the hand. For example, a 7 and a 5 would be 12, but the hand value would be 2.
- The player with the lowest hand value at the end of the round must take a drink.
- Players can also engage in “bluffing” tactics to trick others into thinking they have a stronger hand.
Oicho-Kabu is perfect for players who enjoy games of strategy and chance, and it works great for those who are familiar with games like Blackjack but are looking for a drinking version.
6. Kanpai (The Cheers Game)
Kanpai is the Japanese equivalent of saying “cheers” before taking a drink, but in this drinking game, it turns into a fun, group challenge!
How to Play:
- Players sit in a circle and take turns initiating a “kanpai” toast.
- The player who initiates the toast must say something specific, like a statement about the drink they’re holding or a fun fact about themselves.
- Other players then take turns responding with their own creative or humorous toast.
- The person who says the most interesting or funniest toast can assign drinks to others.
- Players who fail to come up with a toast or mess up must take a drink.
This game is a great way to enjoy everyone’s creativity and sense of humor while bonding with your friends over drinks. It’s a simple game that doesn’t require much preparation but is sure to keep things lighthearted.
7. Sake Bombs
Sake Bombs are a fun and loud drinking game that combines Japanese culture with a bit of a party atmosphere. This game is perfect for large groups and will surely get everyone involved.
How to Play:
- Players are divided into two teams, and each team has a glass of beer and a shot of sake.
- The goal is to drop the sake shot into the beer glass without touching the sides.
- Teams take turns attempting to drop the shot glass in the beer.
- If successful, the team cheers and the other team must take a drink.
- The game continues until all shots have been dropped.
Sake Bombs is an energetic game that brings excitement to any party. The competitive nature of the game mixed with the thrill of seeing the shot glass land just right creates a fun, memorable experience.
Enjoy a Sip of Culture
Japanese drinking games offer a unique blend of culture, fun, and camaraderie that’s perfect for your next party. From the quick thinking required in Ichiro to the strategy and excitement of Oicho-Kabu, these games are sure to keep everyone engaged and laughing throughout the night. So, grab some sake, gather your friends, and get ready for an unforgettable time with these fun Japanese drinking games!
Want to discover more ways to level up your party? Check out our ultimate guide to drinking games around the globe.
