Loneliness in Japan isn't just an expat issue

I've had times living here when I felt exceptionally lonely, many of them when I first got here and didn't know anyone. It's hard, isolating, and sometimes makes you feel like you'll never find your place. In saying that, I don't think that feeling of loneliness is unique to the expat experience, which a recent article I read confirmed.

The government survey in question found that almost half of Japanese citizens have experienced loneliness or social isolation. What stood out to me most was how people described loneliness, with the majority saying it affects both mental and physical health. Nearly as many said it is something anyone can go through at different stages of life.

What was encouraging is that around half of respondents said that loneliness and isolation are things that can be talked about with others. I think so often we treat loneliness as something embarrassing or private, rather than something that many people feel at times.

I guess long story short, if you are feeling lonely here, you're not the only one. I recommend trying out classes (e.g. cooking or craft classes) or volunteering, which were both big ways for me to connect with others who had similar interests.