本日はお忙しい中、お集まりいただきありがとうございます。では、乾杯！ — Thank you all for gathering today despite your busy schedules. Now, cheers! (Workplace · Socializing, Polite to Colleague, JLPT N3)

Gesture & etiquette

Raise your glass at chest height and make eye contact with everyone around the table. When clinking glasses with a superior, lower your glass slightly below theirs — this subtle gesture signals respect. After the kampai, wait for others to drink before setting your glass down.

At a nomikai (飲み会, company drinking party), pour drinks for others before yourself — watch colleagues' glasses and refill proactively. Crucially, do not drink before the kampai signal; drinking alone beforehand is considered rude. When clinking glasses with superiors, hold yours slightly lower as a sign of respect.