young people eating sushi in asian restaurant — INQUIRER.net stock photo

For those who did not end in good terms with their colleagues, celebrating the times spent together is just not an option. Luckily, a restaurant in Japan is willing to act like you will be truly missed in a pretend farewell party, for a cost.

Japan-based restaurant chain Gochiso Mura is offering a limited edition “solo farewell party” for those who were not given one by their coworkers. According to Sora News 24, this offer is only going to be available for the whole month of March, which is when Japanese workers usually leave or transfer jobs.

During this transition month, a Japanese tradition called “soubetsukai,” or a farewell party, is practiced. A soubetsukai is held by coworkers for colleagues who are leaving their jobs.

The Kansai restaurant offers a “solo soubetsukai” in which the staff joins the lone celebrant for a farewell dinner, which includes a round of drinks and words of affirmation such as, “thank you for all your hard work” written onto a dessert plate with chocolate syrup.

The initiative behind the simulated soubetsukai, according to the report, came from customers who bemoaned the loss of their jobs and had no one who bothered to organize a farewell party for them.

The seven-course meal also includes a greeting card with more words of encouragement such as “I wanted to work together with you more. Thank you for everything!” and “I’m glad we got to work together. Thank you,” as per report.

While the restaurant is willing to act that they truly appreciate you, a bouquet, however, is not included. They suggest bringing your own farewell flowers.

For 4,000 to 5,000 yen (about P1,900 to P2,400), one can celebrate the end of a chapter of one’s career without office drama, and welcome the beginning of the fiscal year in Japan, which is in April. Casey Eridio/JB

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