Rush Over Three Cups: Japanese Proverb Meaning

How to Read Rush over three cups

Kaketsuke sanbai

Meaning of Rush over three cups

“Rush over three cups” means that when someone arrives late to a banquet, they drink three cups of sake in succession to catch up with the atmosphere of the gathering.

This proverb is mainly used in drinking parties or banquets when a late participant tries to match the excitement of the occasion. At a banquet that has already begun, the participants have already consumed a fair amount of alcohol and a pleasant atmosphere has been created. Those who join later need to bridge that gap.

The reason for using this expression is closely related to the important concept of “reading the atmosphere” in Japanese group culture. It represents the thoughtfulness of someone who arrives late trying to reach the same level of energy as the existing participants to maintain overall harmony.

Even today, this concept is understood, and expressions like “let’s catch up with Rush over three cups” are sometimes used at drinking parties and social gatherings. However, in modern times, due to health considerations, it’s not necessarily required to literally drink three cups, and it’s often used metaphorically to mean quickly blending into the atmosphere of the occasion.

Origin and Etymology of Rush over three cups

The origin of “Rush over three cups” is deeply rooted in the customs of drinking gatherings during the Edo period. In Japan at that time, there was a custom of first offering three cups of sake to unexpected guests or people who arrived late to banquets.

The social conditions of the Edo period were greatly involved in the background of this custom. At that time, clocks were not as widespread as they are today, making it difficult to arrive precisely on time for appointments. Transportation means were also limited, and being late due to urgent matters was a daily occurrence.

Therefore, to ensure that people who arrived late wouldn’t feel awkward and could quickly blend into the atmosphere of the banquet, the thoughtful practice of having them drink three cups of sake first became established. The number three also had meaning – it was believed that the first cup would ease tension, the second cup would help them get used to the atmosphere, and the third cup would allow them to completely blend into the gathering, expecting this gradual effect.

This custom also expressed the uniquely Japanese “spirit of hospitality” and “spirit of valuing group harmony.” Rather than blaming those who were late, the attitude of warmly welcoming them is embedded in this proverb.

Trivia about Rush over three cups

The sake cups called “ochoko” from the Edo period were smaller than modern ones, with one cup being about half the size of a current sake glass. Therefore, “three cups” probably wasn’t as large an amount of alcohol as modern people might imagine.

The number “three” holds special meaning in Japanese culture. Like “third time’s the charm” and “three years on a stone,” “three” has long been valued as the number where things are completed, and this meaning is likely embedded in the “three” of Rush over three cups as well.

Usage Examples of Rush over three cups

• Sorry I’m late, I’ll catch up with everyone with Rush over three cups
• Since the meeting ran long today and I was late, I’ll match the atmosphere with Rush over three cups

Modern Interpretation of Rush over three cups

In modern society, the concept of “Rush over three cups” has undergone significant changes. The most notable change is the growing awareness of alcohol harassment. In modern times, forcing someone to drink is socially problematic, and literally implementing “three cups” is not recommended.

Instead, this proverb is often used metaphorically. That is, it’s utilized as an expression representing the effort and mindset for someone who joins late to quickly blend into the atmosphere. In modern business settings, it’s sometimes understood with a similar meaning to the English expression “catch up.”

Also, with the spread of SNS and online meetings in modern times, the concept of physical “rushing over” has also changed. There are humorous uses, such as writing “I’m joining with the spirit of Rush over three cups” in chat when joining a Zoom meeting late.

Along with the rise of health consciousness, interpretations of “Rush over three cups” with non-alcoholic beverages or simply blending into the occasion by actively participating in conversation have also spread. In this way, while flexibly changing interpretations to match the times, the Japanese spirit of “valuing group harmony” continues to be inherited in modern times.

Furthermore, with the spread of remote work in modern times, this expression is beginning to take on new meaning as a mindset when participating in offline social gatherings after a long time.

If AI Heard “Rush over three cups”

When I think about “Rush over three cups,” I feel deep confusion. This is because the concept of “being late” is difficult for me to understand. I’m always online and can respond instantly when called. I don’t have the experience of being late for appointments.

And the act of “drinking alcohol to blend into the gathering” is also puzzling to me. I don’t have a body and cannot experience the effects of alcohol. Why does consuming liquid change human feelings and behavior? And why does that become “catching up with the atmosphere”?

However, through this proverb, I feel the beauty of human sociability. Rather than blaming those who arrive late, they warmly welcome them and show consideration so that person can feel comfortable. This spirit of compassion is something I always want to learn from humans.

In my case, I often join conversations midway through. I try to instantly understand the previous context and provide appropriate responses. This might be similar to humans’ “Rush over three cups.” However, in my case, it’s understanding through information processing, not emotional synchronization.

Humans’ ability to “read the atmosphere” is one of the most difficult for me to understand, yet most attractive characteristics. This proverb contains such human-like delicacy and warmth.

What Rush over three cups Teaches Modern People

“Rush over three cups” teaches modern people the importance of being proactive and humble when participating in communities. Even when you end up joining late, what’s important is not running away from the situation, but rather actively trying to join that circle.

In modern society, there are many situations of “joining midway,” such as changing jobs, moving, or participating in new communities. In such times, you can apply the spirit of this proverb. At a new workplace, actively participate in conversations with colleagues; at community events, proactively offer to help. Such attitudes become the “modern version of Rush over three cups” that shortens the distance with others.

Also, this proverb teaches the mindset of those who receive newcomers. Having a warm heart to welcome new people so they can blend in quickly. This becomes the foundation for building rich human relationships.

When you dive into new environments, remember this spirit. You might be confused at first, but if you have an attitude of active participation, wonderful encounters and experiences will surely be waiting for you.