[steven]

Yea Nyororin is totally right about that one. You have to make it clear from the start that you don't drink and people will get the drift. If you do decide to drink at some point, you may be in for it though! My coworkers love to drink (but there are some people that don't drink at all).

I've seen some people get away with only drinking sometimes, though. Only women, though. If men quit drinking for a while, it's usually because they got like 'red carded' from their doctors (with high blood pressure or something like that).

about fishing... kinda
Speakin' of being invited to things, don't be dissapointed if you do get invited, but the person doesn't follow through with the invitation. That happens a lot, actually. It's weird from my American perspective, but I understand it from a Japanese point of view as a form of politeness.

Also be a little careful of what you say if you do go out with people (or happen to go to their house or something more private like that). If you show too much interest in something they might just give it to you. I've read about it/heard about it more than actually seen it, but I have seen it. Just recently I was at a snack late at night and a guy brought some of his wife's umeboshis there and I kinda jokingly said it would be great with some rice... and he actually went back home and brought rice back (although he did live next door). I felt a little bad (but it was some really good rice, though)... but it could've been worse. I've heard of people giving away things that I would think are prized possessions to people. I used to give free English lessons to a lady nearby and I noticed one day that this beautiful piece of wood was missing from their entry way (one of those things that you see in gift shops for like 5+ grand). Apparently her husband gave it to someone and she thought nothing of it (although they did have alterier motives as they ended up moving away after that so I assume they just wanted to get it off their hands, but something like that... sheesh).