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Originally Posted by Lamplighter
I don't know if this applies, or even true, but we thought we saw it actually happen during business trips in several cities of Japan.
We were told that "after work" gatherings with the boss were part of normal business, and excess alcohol was permitted or encouraged because it permitted underlings to say all sorts of things to their overlings.
On a couple of occasions, I felt there was some "fake" drinking going on, followed by remarks to the boss that could have otherwise been career-enders.
Custom then required that nothing be remembered or amiss at work the next day. All was ignored on assumption that any improprieties were alcohol-induced.
I think it was a very good system for communication with the boss.
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I have been told similar things by friends living and working in Japan. When your culture is cultishly devoted to "saving face," you have to have an outlet or nothing will ever get done.