How to Make Friends in Japan

I think at one point or another we have all encountered it as foreigners in Japan. And by "it," I mean the wall that splits us from Japanese people. This is not to say that people are not nice or kind, but it is hard to jump over the wall to become actual good friends, not just friendly acquaintances. So how can we scale that wall? I am not going to lie, I am in the process currently.

I have lived in Japan before and I had made many friends as a university student, but now most of those friends have graduated, moved, and started jobs. Therefore, I am back at step one and it is a struggle. I work in a school in the countryside. This means that there are less young people in my area and that all of my coworkers are way busier than I am. 

I have been leaning on my old host family a lot lately. I am very lucky that I have them!

I read countless blogs, and I honestly did not like the suggestions. They didn't suit my situation. So what is working for me?

1. Join Classes

I have several different interests and I enjoy taking different classes. At some of these I have made friends, but it is important to know that it did not happen right away. It takes time. The other students tend to wait it out a bit before they start sharing more details about their lives. It is almost as they are waiting to see if you are actually staying in the class. The other classmates may not be your age, or the first class could be a dude, but try many different things and it will work out!

2. Get out of your house

Talk to any of the locals. Talk to your coworkers at school. Once they day is over, don’t just run away. A little goes a long way! Plus, even if you don’t become best friends, it helps with the ALT blues that can onset from not making friends right away.

3. Get involved in local events

Is your town holding a small festival? GO! You never know who you could meet. Plus, in small towns, I think that is the best time to really get to know everyone. 

I know some other people recommend parties, but drinking is just not my style and even in Japan, I feel like that is not the safest thing for women. 

Just don’t get discouraged! You got this!

What are your strategies for making friends?