{"id":26959,"date":"2022-08-24T15:00:14","date_gmt":"2022-08-24T15:00:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/?p=26959"},"modified":"2025-01-09T18:20:27","modified_gmt":"2025-01-09T09:20:27","slug":"make-friends-in-japan","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gogonihon.com\/en\/blog\/make-friends-in-japan\/","title":{"rendered":"Where to make friends in Japan"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Having to make friends in Japan – or any unfamiliar environment – can be daunting. Add language and cultural barriers in the mix and it can be a recipe for a lonely start to life in a new country. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is an experience that is near and dear to many of our hearts here at Go! Go! Nihon. Most of us are from overseas and came to Japan as language students. We understand firsthand how difficult it can be to find your tribe in a new place and we know how common it is for students to experience homesickness and loneliness. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

We want to share some tips on where and how to make friends in Japan so that you can have the best possible study-in-Japan experience possible. Read on to learn more!<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ways to make friends in Japan<\/b><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your opportunities to make friends in Japan will depend a lot on where you\u2019re living in Japan, as well as how willing you are to put yourself out there to meet new people. Keep in mind that adult friendships in general take more effort, so you have to put in the work if you want to make – and keep – new friends. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With that in mind, there will always be chances to make friends no matter your circumstances as long as you embrace the opportunities.<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Through your language school<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

When you think about it, many of us find our very first friends through school. So it makes sense that the easiest way to make friends in Japan will be through your language school. You will spend every day with your classmates, which gives you plenty of opportunities to get to know them and bond with them. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Make the effort to chat with different people during your breaks, organise get-togethers outside of the classroom, or arrange a weekend study group. Chances are, most other people will be in the same boat, so don\u2019t be afraid to step outside your comfort zone and start building those friendships. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sports and hobbies<\/b><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another easy way to make friends is to join a sports team or pick up a hobby. Team sports are inherently social and playing them is a quick way to build trust with others and foster positive interpersonal relationships. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

With both sports and hobbies, you can meet people who come from vastly different backgrounds, but you will all instantly have a connection through the sport or hobby you have chosen. Build on that connection by getting to know people at a deeper level and you\u2019ll find meaningful friendships in no time. <\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some ideas for sports and hobbies you could take up (depending on if these are available where you\u2019re living):<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n