Have a “Victory Ritual”

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Battle is a life-or-death struggle. In the harsh reality of combat, there is no such thing as a fight without casualties. Damian McKinney says, “That is precisely why having a ‘victory ritual’—a shared way to celebrate the moment of triumph—unites the team as one.”
In business, too, when the fiscal year ends or a major project is completed, employees’ exhaustion often reaches its peak.
An organization that has its own “victory ritual,” a shared image of what success looks like for everyone, is a strong one.

Deep Dive

Throughout history and across cultures, armies have always let out a victory cry—kachi-doki—immediately after triumph, led by their commanders.
Damian McKinney says:

“The battlefield is like a storm. Often, soldiers don’t even realize the fight is over. Some comrades are wounded, others may be dead. That’s why the collective act of celebrating victory right then and there is indispensable.”

In Japan, too, countless historical records from the Sengoku era describe generals raising their fans, forming the ceremonial ranks, and blowing conch shells in a triumphant kachi-doki.

What matters most is having a shared ritual. Without it, when victory actually comes, people might awkwardly ask,

“Hey… how do we celebrate again?”
—and the moment loses its energy.

Each army traditionally inherits its own form of celebration, so being able to join in that ritual brings deep pride:

“At last, I’ve earned the right to take part in this victory cry!”
“When I raise my voice with the others, I feel the pride of my ancestors flowing through me!”

To be honest, I admire the idea of having the composure to agree on a “victory ritual” before risking one’s life in battle.
Or perhaps it’s precisely because they’re risking their lives that they share a vivid image of what victory will look like together.

Victory Rituals Beyond the Military

Outside the military, there are many kinds of “victory rituals.”
In sports, every team and sport has its own distinctive way of celebrating.

A recent and powerful example was the moment Samurai Japan won the World Baseball Classic (WBC). Without hesitation, the players began their traditional do-age—tossing people into the air in celebration. First came Manager Kuriyama. Next, the veteran and emotional anchor of the team, Yu Darvish. Third, Shohei Ohtani—the MVP who excelled as both pitcher and hitter and struck out Mike Trout for the final out. And finally, as a surprise, Lars Nootbaar.

Watching the overseas broadcasts, it was obvious that many foreign commentators had never seen a do-age before.

“What’s happening? What are they doing?”
one commentator asked in confusion. A photographer on the field wandered too close to the tossing circle, and Darvish gently warned him,
“Careful, don’t get too close!”
It was both endearing and a proud moment for Japanese fans.
And seeing Nootbaar—stiff with nervousness as he experienced his first do-age—was delightfully funny.

The WBC victory had plenty of other celebratory elements: the trophy, medals, award ceremony, interviews, and the inevitable champagne fight.
One uniquely American touch was inviting family members onto the field, which I thought beautifully reflected the spirit of shared joy.
They really understand the importance of celebrating the moment of victory.
Amid all those grand celebrations, Japan’s own do-age looked all the more special and dignified.

Victory Rituals in Business

In the business world, the same principle applies.
At the end of a fiscal year when annual targets are achieved, or on the first day a massive new system goes live, employees are often exhausted beyond measure.
Reaching a lofty goal means enduring and overcoming hardships that may have felt nearly unreasonable along the way.

That’s why business leaders, too, should have a “victory ritual.”
It allows the whole team to celebrate together—and strengthens unity for the future.

My Own “Victory Ritual”

I actually have my own kachi-doki no kata.
After a successful project, we open a bottle of champagne, make a toast, and then have everyone sign the bottle with a silver pen.

Depending on the number of participants, we prepare different sizes:

Regular bottle (750 ml)

Magnum (1.5 L)

Jeroboam (3 L)

Methuselah (6 L)

A regular bottle yields about seven glasses, so for twenty people, one Jeroboam is perfect.

The beauty of this ritual is that the excitement starts long before the celebration itself and lasts long after.

“Hey, a huge champagne crate just arrived at the venue!”
“Just figuring out how to chill this thing is exciting!”
“Pouring from such a massive bottle gets everyone fired up!”
“Unlike a signed poster that can get lost, this bottle will stay forever!”
“Seeing last year’s signed bottle instantly brings back that moment!”

If this idea interests you, I highly recommend trying it—it’s guaranteed to create an incredible atmosphere.

Oh, and one last thing—please use Moët & Chandon or Veuve Clicquot.
The sales will go to my old colleagues. 😉🍾