kampai

Kampai is a term associated with toasting and drinking in Japanese culture. It is commonly romanized as kanpai, though kampai appears in some English-language texts and branding. The word is written in kanji as 乾杯, literally meaning “dry cup,” and it is used as an equivalent of “cheers” or “to your health.” The toast is typically spoken before drinking a shared beverage, signaling collective participation.

In practice, kanpai is part of social drinking etiquette in Japan. The toast is often led by the host or the most senior person present, and participants usually pour drinks for others rather than for themselves. Making eye contact and, in some settings, lightly clinking glasses are considered polite gestures, though customs can vary by region and situation. The phrase is used in informal gatherings as well as formal occasions, from nightly meals with friends to business dining.

Beyond its linguistic use, Kampai has been adopted as a brand name and cultural reference in various countries. It appears in restaurants, events, and media to evoke the familiar act of toasting and celebration. While the term retains its Japanese origins, its international usage can reflect marketing choices as much as genuine familiarity with Japanese drinking etiquette.

See also: Kanpai; Japanese drinking culture; Etiquette of toasting.