So, you’ve finally decided to move to Japan! You’re excited but also a little bit nervous. After all, you’ll live in a foreign country without friends or family there. Making friends as a foreigner in Japan can be easier than you think. It’s already happening: the Japanese government estimates that 13 million people currently living in Japan were born outside of the country. Take a look at a few simple tips that can help you make friends in Japan as a foreigner.
Join an international club or organization
Joining an international club or organization is one of the best ways to make friends in Japan. It gives you a built-in group of people who speak your language, share similar interests, and understand what being a foreigner in Japan is like.
These organizations could also help you find a job as a foreigner in Japan. Club resources vary greatly depending on where you live. However, if there isn’t one near you, then try joining online forums for people trying to learn Japanese. You may be able to find some local folks this way.
Make friends with your peers
The best way to make friends in Japan is by connecting with your peers. This way, you’ll be able to relate with them on a certain level and see eye-to-eye on things that interest you both. Many foreigners find it hard to navigate the country and its culture, especially when it comes to language. If there are others around who understand what you’re going through, they can share their knowledge and offer advice when necessary.
Get to know your neighbors
It’s easy to meet your neighbors in Japan. You can make friends with them as early as the elevator ride up to your apartment. If you live in a typical Japanese building (low-rise, no elevator), there will be a mailbox for each floor at the entrance of your building. Take time to chat with your neighbors when both of you are waiting for the mailman. You can also do it when coming home from work or school and ask them about their family, hobbies, and interests!
If these scenarios don’t feel comfortable enough for you, try asking questions that don’t require direct answers, such as weather forecasts or local events. This way, you get used to talking without feeling too much pressure right off the bat!
Offer to teach English in exchange for learning Japanese
Learning Japanese is important for your life in Japan, but it’s also a great way to get to know Japanese people. You can learn about their culture, traditions, and customs by immersing yourself in the language. If you’re serious about learning Japanese, then you should consider taking classes at a school or university (preferably more than once per week).
If you don’t have time for formal classes, try studying with friends who are also interested in learning English. The best way to make friends while learning English is by practicing conversation with them regularly.
Stay open-minded
If you’re going to make friends in Japan, it’s important to be open-minded. A lot of the time, this means being willing to do things that are outside of your comfort zone. For example:
- Trying new food is a great way to meet people and make friends with Japanese people. If you’ve never tried sushi before but are interested in trying it, then go ahead! Sushi restaurants always have special deals on their menus for people who don’t know much about sushi.
- Going on trips with groups of other students is another way to make friends in Japan. You’ll be able to see different parts of Japan and share your stories afterward over drinks or ramen noodles at one of those “all-you-can-eat” places.
Take a Japanese language class
Taking a Japanese language class is a great way to meet people with similar interests. Once you get to know your classmates, you can make friends with them outside of class and do things together. You might want to try asking if they want to go out for dinner sometime or join them at an event on a weekend day. There are also many opportunities to practice speaking Japanese in your class. These will help you improve over time and give you confidence when it comes time to communicate in real-life situations.
Travel to different parts of Japan
If you’re looking for friendship opportunities, it’s important not just where but when you travel in Japan as well. Japan is home to many festivals (“matsuri”) throughout the year, including some with very long histories, like Sanja Matsuri in Asakusa or Tanabata Matsuri in Sendai City. These festivals often feature parades as well as temple visits and other activities designed for families, or even just single people like yourself.
Stay connected
It’s easy to keep in touch with people when you have the internet on your side. Use social media, and translation apps like Google Translate or Babel Fish. Do not hesitate to reach out if you want to keep up with someone.
Only after meeting other foreigners in Japan can you become friends with them. Having someone who speaks English will make day-to-day life easier for you and help you adjust as soon as possible. Dealing with culture shock is not easy, but locals can help you learn about their customs and traditions and maybe even find some new hobbies or activities that you can enjoy together.
To sum it up…
To make friends in Japan may seem like a daunting task, but the truth is that it’s much easier than you think. You just have to find the right connections and opportunities. The key is not to give up! Don’t let fear or anxiety stand in your way because they will only make things worse. Instead, be open-minded and willing to take chances. After all, this is what makes life worth living – taking risks while trying new things with people who support us along the way!
Author: Jassica Mendez
