The Golden Kampai Toast (乾杯のルール - Kanpai)
The strict etiquette of the initial 'Kanpai' (Cheers) toast. When clinking glasses, younger or lower-status participants must position their glass rim slightly lower than that of their superiors to show deep respect.
A direct physical extension of Japanese hierarchy and respect for seniors. It avoids aggressive glass-clinking that could chip expensive crystal, while encouraging eye contact and warm smiles to set a friendly tone for the evening.
Once all drinks are served, raise your glass, look around, and wait for the host's cue: 'Kanpai!'. Slide your glass in underneath your boss's or elder's glass so your rim taps their glass body slightly lower, and take a sip.
When clinking glasses for a 'Kanpai' toast with your boss or elders, what is the correct relative glass height?