How to make friends in Japan! How to make friends in Japan?

Are you enjoying your life in Japan? If you are busy with work or study, you may not have many opportunities to make friends. However, people need friends for emotional support. This is especially true if you live in a foreign country with a different language and culture. Spending time with friends from your home country can be a relief, and if you make Japanese friends, you will be able to learn more about life and culture in Japan.

In this issue, we will introduce how to make friends to foreigners living in Japan. We will explain in an easy-to-understand manner where you can meet friends from your home country, how to build friendships with Japanese people, and other topics useful for communicating with Japanese people. Please use it as a reference for making great friends in Japan.

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Where to meet foreigners in Japan

When you first arrive in Japan, you may feel bewildered by the differences in language and culture. At such times, we recommend that you first interact with people from the same country. It is relaxing and reassuring to spend time with friends who can converse in your native language and share the same cultural background. Try to find friends who are from your home country, such as Americans if you are American, or Chinese if you are Chinese.

The following are recommended places to meet foreigners in Japan.

1. Internet
2. Events for international exchange
3. Bars and taverns
4. Restaurants serving cuisine from my home country
5. Japanese language school

First, there is the use of the Internet. In recent years, more and more people are using apps and websites to meet people. Try looking for communities of foreigners living in Japan on social networking sites such as Facebook and Instagram. You can often find them by using search terms such as "XXX people in Japan.

Meetup is a platform for organizing and participating in local and themed events. Many events related to international exchange are also planned, and you may be able to make foreign friends there.

In addition, events such as language exchange and international exchange parties are held in many places to promote exchanges between foreigners and Japanese. Participating in such events is also a good idea.

As for restaurants, you can visit taverns and bars. In urban areas, more and more stores are open for foreigners. You may naturally strike up a conversation with other foreign customers in the restaurant. With the help of alcohol, you may make friends as you enjoy chatting.

Furthermore, going to a restaurant that serves Indian, Chinese, or other dishes from your home country will give you a chance to meet owners and foreign customers who are from your home country. You will be able to deepen your friendship over a nostalgic taste.

In addition, you will meet people at the Japanese language school. Although the common language will be Japanese, you will be able to help each other and develop friendships with other international students who are in the same situation. You are also encouraged to actively participate in extracurricular activities and events organized by the school.

As you can see, there are many opportunities to meet foreigners in Japan. Please choose the method that best suits your situation and enjoy making friends from your hometown.

Reference:Meetup

Places to make Japanese friends in Japan

Spending time with friends from your home country is important, but if you have come all the way to Japan, you would like to make friends with Japanese people as well. However, due to language and cultural differences, it may be difficult to take the first step. Therefore, we would like to introduce some recommended places for foreigners to make Japanese friends.

1. Participate in hobby events and classes
2. Attend sports clubs, etc.
3. Participation in university club activities
4. Participation in local festivals and events
5. Expand your circle of friends through referrals

Japan has a diverse world of culture and hobbies, including singing, dancing, animation, and sports. Through them, you will naturally have opportunities to interact with Japanese people.

For example, if you like music or dance, try going to concerts or club events. You may meet Japanese people with whom you hit it off while discussing your favorite artists or dancing together.

If you are interested in Japanese pop culture, such as anime and video games, you can visit related events and stores. You can also ask, "Do you like ______, too? and there is a great chance that the conversation will start from there.

Participating in sporting events or sports clubs is also recommended. Through exercise, you will naturally interact with each other and share common topics of conversation. By cheering each other on in your endeavors, you will be able to develop a deep bond.

If you are a student, it is a good idea to join a university club. While working together with Japanese students, friendships often develop that transcend language barriers.

You can also visit festivals and fireworks displays held in your area. You can enjoy interacting with local people while experiencing traditional Japanese culture. You will naturally start conversations while eating at the food stalls and dancing in a circle.

In addition, it is a good idea to ask Japanese friends you have already made to introduce you to other friends. As you expand your circle of "friends of friends," you will find that you know more and more people.

How to communicate with Japanese

Many foreigners want to make Japanese friends, but on the other hand, there are many Japanese who also want to make foreign friends. It would be a waste if communication does not go well despite mutual interest. In order to build a good relationship with Japanese people, it is important to first understand the general character of Japanese people. Of course, there are individual differences, but here are some characteristics that are often seen in Japanese people.

1. Courteous, does not like conflict
2. Values group harmony and tries to fit in with those around them
3. Serious, methodical, punctual and punctual to commitments.
4. Modest and not very assertive, preferring to "communicate from the heart".
5. Many people have difficulty with English.

Quiet and gentle by nature, Japanese people tend to value harmony with their surroundings. Rather than expressing their own opinions clearly, they tend to read the air and act according to the reactions of others. Therefore, when a foreigner speaks to you, you may take a curt attitude or give a vague smile. But this does not mean that they have any ill will toward you; they are just confused because they do not know how to respond.

Especially if you are not confident in your English skills,
What am I supposed to talk about?"
We must not be rude."
It's embarrassing to speak bad English."
They cannot speak well because they think, "I can't do this. Even if they do not respond well at first, it does not mean that they do not like you. If you talk to them positively, they will open their hearts to you.

However, keep in mind that some people are wary of foreigners. Some Japanese may be put off if you come at them too aggressively from the first meeting. It is better to match the pace of the other person and develop friendship slowly.

Another characteristic of the Japanese is their respect for appointed times and social manners. Once you become friends, please keep in mind the minimum rules, such as being on time for a meeting and not making loud noises in public places.

As the phrase "ishin-denshin" suggests, Japanese people tend to idealize being able to communicate with others without having to put it into words. Therefore, there are times when they do not clearly say Yes or No and expect people to understand their intentions, which may often be confusing for foreigners. It may seem difficult at first, but if you gradually understand Japanese sensibilities, you will surely be able to communicate with each other gradually.

5 useful topics for communicating with Japanese people

Even if you go to the trouble of making Japanese friends, your friendship will not grow if you cannot carry on a conversation. However, due to language and cultural differences, you may be wondering what to talk about.

So, here are five useful topics for communication with Japanese people. Please refer to them and have a pleasant chatting time.

1. popular musicians in Japan

Japan's Music Scene Japan's music market is the second largest in the world and boasts a diverse and unique music scene. Idol groups and young singer-songwriters are popular among teens, while rock bands and hip-hop artists attract the attention of those in their 20s and older.

Talking about artists such as Yonezu Genshi, Aimiyoon, Official Bearded Man-dism, Ado, and others who have been making the Japanese music charts recently will get people of all ages excited.

2. popular comedian in Japan

The World of Japanese Laughter The popularity of comedy shows is one of the hallmarks of Japanese culture. Comedians perform in a wide variety of genres, including manzai, comedy, and monomania.

Popular among the younger generation are comic duos such as EXIT and Audrey, and comedians who excel at comedy, such as Kamaitachi and Jarujaru. The middle-aged and older generation will be able to hit it off with stories about veterans who have been at the forefront for many years, such as Downtown and Akashiya Sanma. It might be interesting to discuss Japan's unique culture of laughter through the stories of your favorite comedians.

3. popular entertainers in Japan

Topics in the Japanese Entertainment Industry The topic of famous celebrities frequently seen on TV and in magazines is a hot topic for men and women of all ages; among teenage girls, idol groups such as King & Prince and Snow Man are immensely popular. On the other hand, young seasonal actors such as Kento Yamazaki, Ryusei Yokohama, Minami Hamabe, and Mio Imada are popular among women in their 20s and 30s. In addition, talking about veteran actors that many people know will make it possible to enjoy a conversation that transcends age groups. Topics related to celebrities will also give you a chance to learn about the other person's tastes.

4. popular influencers in Japan

Popular Influencers in Japan With the development of social networking sites, influencers have become very influential. In Japan, influencers active in various genres are attracting attention: popular among teens are YouTube creators such as Hikakin and Hajime Shacho, while those in their 20s and older include Nicole Fujita and Michyopa Fujita, who are also active as models and TV personalities, Influencers who share beauty and fashion information on Instagram are gaining support. They are sure to have a lot of fun talking about the latest trends and SNS topics.

5. popular anime in Japan

Japanese Anime Anime is highly acclaimed worldwide and enjoys strong popularity in Japan as well. Long-running anime such as "Sazae-san" and "Doraemon" are popular among children and adults alike, while teenagers are drawn to recent hits such as "Blade of Oni-Elimination" and "SPY x FAMILY," while anime fans in their 20s and older will enjoy discussing old classics such as "One Piece" and "Neon Genesis Evangelion," etc., will also be a great time to talk about the masterpieces of the past. Talking passionately about your favorite anime will surely deepen your knowledge of Japanese subculture.

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summary

In this issue, we have introduced how to make friends for all foreigners living in Japan.

You may feel confused by the differences in language and culture, but if this is the case, try first to interact with your friends who are from your home country. The time you spend talking in your old language will bring you peace of mind.

And since you have come all the way to Japan, you should definitely make friends with Japanese people as well. You will surely find wonderful encounters as you participate in your hobby communities and attend local events. The important thing is to respect each other's culture. If you are considerate of others, you can easily overcome the language barrier.

Another key to making friends is choosing the right topic of conversation. If you offer topics such as the Japanese music scene, comedy, or seasonal entertainment topics that match your partner's interests and age, you are sure to have a good conversation.

The casual, everyday life you spend with your local friends will enrich your life as an exchange student or expatriate. Of course, it may take some trial and error to make friends, but if you take the first step without hesitation, you will surely be blessed with heartwarming encounters. May you be blessed with many friends in Japan!

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