A growing debate has surfaced in Japan surrounding the traditional practice of splitting the bill equally at social gatherings, regardless of individual consumption. The spotlight is on non-drinkers who feel they are unfairly burdened by this system. The debate has triggered wide-ranging discussions on social media platforms and has prompted some establishments to reconsider their billing methods to accommodate non-drinking customers.
The issue of bill splitting is an important one in Japan, a country known for its harmonious social interactions. The custom of splitting the bill equally even if one doesn't consume as much, particularly in group dining situations, is commonly accepted. However, the rise of health-conscious and non-drinking individuals is challenging this norm, prompting discussions about fairness and change in social norms.
In contrast to Japan, in the US and EU, it is more common for individuals to pay for what they consumed. "Going Dutch," where each participant pays for their own share, is a widely accepted practice. This discrepancy in cultural norms amplifies the ongoing debate in Japan.