In everyday life, oshaku manners can act as a social ice breaker as well, as the pouring and receiving of sake allow for convivial interaction in social situations. Small sake cups (known as ochoko) are not meant for downing sake in one shot ( known as ikkinomi) as many people think, but rather these small cups allow for more frequent refilling of your cup and more chance to interact and connect with the people around you.
Among good friends, the manners of oshaku may fall by the wayside as the evening wears on, but in more formal or business situations it is important to observe the general rule of only pouring for others. If your glass is empty and no one has noticed, begin to pour for others and they will return the favor quickly – works every time!
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