Before heading to an izakaya,
some people stop by a convenience store or drugstore
to buy a small bottle.
At first glance,
it looks like an energy drink.
But the purpose is slightly different.
The goal is not necessarily
to gain energy,
but to avoid suffering the next day.
Japan has many kinds of hangover prevention drinks.
Turmeric drinks.
Clam extract.
Liver-support drinks.
Herbal formulas.
On the shelves,
phrases like
“before drinking”
or
“wake up refreshed”
appear everywhere.
Of course,
hangover remedies also exist overseas.
People drink more water,
take vitamins,
drink sports drinks,
or simply rest.
In some countries,
greasy breakfasts
or the famous “hair of the dog”
are also part of hangover culture.
Japan even has its own old word for it:
mukaizake — drinking alcohol again the next morning.
Whether these methods truly work or not,
people everywhere have always searched
for ways to ease the discomfort of the next day.
Still,
Japanese hangover culture feels a little unique.
The focus is often not
“recovering afterward,”
but
“preparing beforehand.”
And these products are sold everywhere,
even in ordinary convenience stores.
From overseas,
this may look slightly unusual.
Perhaps it reflects
Japanese work culture
and social expectations.
Even after a late night,
people are expected
to return to work the next morning.
Not causing trouble for others.
Continuing as usual.
Recovering quickly.
That kind of atmosphere exists.
Of course,
the actual effectiveness probably depends on the person.
But sometimes,
simply drinking one small bottle
gives people peace of mind.
Maybe they are drinking
not only ingredients,
but also reassurance.
Working late,
socializing,
and starting again the next morning.
Perhaps a small part of modern Japanese society
can also be found
inside those tiny bottles.
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