NARA -- Since the days of Prince Shotoku in the early seventh century, Japanese have been encouraged to respect "wa," or harmony in a group.
So it is no surprise that when people go to a bar with colleagues or friends, they often feel obliged to join in and gulp down a beer, even if they don't want to.
This holds true even today, at a time when youngsters are thought to be more likely to express their individuality.
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