The modern manifestation of this drinking custom is the konpa of today. These gatherings were largely restricted to members of the same sex until after World War II when mixing between the sexes became increasingly more common. When Japanese university culture was first established during the Meiji period (1868–1912), the custom of members of the same class or dormitory drinking together to deepen their bond of friendship began. These gatherings are intended for developing friendships or deepening relationships with members of the same affiliated group or with the opposite sex that benefit Japanese socially in their careers and in their lives. It is often suggested that this word originally came from German: Kompanie, English: company, or French: compagnie, although the exact root is unknown. Konpa ( コンパ) are a type of Japanese drinking gathering held by university students in a casual drinking establishment called an izakaya, and are more relaxed than the traditional nomikai. A group of students playing different games at a konpa
