An izakaya (居酒屋) is a common kind of Japanese bar, also found in cosmopolitan cities throughout the world, popular in Japan for after-work drinking. The definitive feature of an izakaya is that it serves food as well as drink. When you first sit down, you will be given an oshibori (wet towel) to clean your hands with, next an appetizer will be served. The portions are generally more substantial than Spanish tapas, but are less than a full meal. Traditionally many Japanese salarymen like to relax after work at a local izakaya. This trend is complemented by a growing population of independent women, and young people (the drinking age is 20), who are also interested in relaxing after work at an izakaya.