Why having a third place matters when living in Japan

Have you ever found yourself craving somewhere to go that isn't home or work? There's actually a name for that which you may have heard before, called a third place. It might be a favorite cafe, a library, a hobby group, or just somewhere you can spend time without feeling like you've got responsibilities waiting for you.

A recent survey by Shufu JOB Research Institute found that 79.2% of respondents felt having a third place was important, but only 39% said they actually had one. The most popular choice was somewhere to spend time alone, such as a cafe or library, which was selected by 60.4% of respondents. Friend groups and communities were another popular option.

As a big coffee fan, cozy local cafes are my go-to "third place"!

I think this is extra relevant for us as foreigners in Japan. Especially when you're still building friendships and finding your feet in a new country, having somewhere familiar to visit can make a real difference. I think there are quite a few good possibilities, such as neighborhood kissaten, public libraries, local clubs, and so forth.