Drinking as the Third Space in Social Approach among Japanese Workers

Abstract

This research discusses how the activity of drinking becomes a space that differentiates between the home and the workplace, serving as a means of release from hierarchical structures present in the working world. The objective of this study is to understand the role of drinking activities in the lives of Japanese workers. This qualitative research was conducted using the thematic analysis approach. The data for this study were derived from two Japanese dramas titled "Platinum Town" (2012) and "Hanzawa Naoki" (2013), with a focus on scenes depicting social drinking gatherings. Data collection involved identifying relevant drinking scenes, followed by data cleansing and subsequent analysis. The concept of this "third space" serves as a medium for employees in Japan to release status and hierarchy constraints within their work environment. Additionally, this third space also functions as a means of maintaining harmonious relationships in Japanese society, supported by the cultural factors of "Uchi" and "Honne."