Casual — to friend
Cultural · Dining
You
乾杯！グラスは相手より少し低くするといいよ。
かんぱい！グラスはあいてよりすこしひくくするといいよ。
Cheers! It's good to keep your glass a little lower than the other person's.
Romaji: Kanpai! Gurasu wa aite yori sukoshi hikuku suru to ii yo. / Reply Romaji: Kanpai! (clinks glasses)
Reply
乾杯！（グラスを合わせる）
かんぱい！（グラスをあわせる）
Cheers! (clinks glasses)
Gesture & etiquette
Extend your glass at a slight downward angle toward the other person. Make eye contact during the toast — avoiding eye contact is considered rude in this moment. After the first toast, do not drink until the most senior person has taken their first sip.
In Japanese toasting etiquette (乾杯 kanpai), lowering your glass relative to the other person shows respect — the more you respect them, the lower your glass. This applies especially when toasting with seniors or superiors. At the 飲み会 (nomikai — work drinking party), wait for the most senior person to initiate the toast.