Hey! I’m 21 and I've just become a resident in Japan on a working holiday visa. I live near Tokyo and I’m super motivated to make the most out of everything. (I'm N3 level and have been to Japan before this as normal travel)
To be honest, a lot of the posts and experiences I’ve read from people living in Japan have been kinda negative. And I’m not saying they’re wrong or not trying, it just makes me more motivated to do things differently. I know it’s pretty much inevitable that I’ll feel lonely at times, but I don’t think that should stop me from pushing myself out of my comfort zone.
What I’m really scared of is not making the effort to meet people. I might come back and realise Japan isn’t somewhere I want to live long-term, and that’s totally fine. Even if I feel that loneliness or burnout after doing my best to connect, or even from the work I do in Japan that will support my stay. But that doesn’t mean I’d regret the experience or be turned off by the culture. What I can't accept is looking back and knowing I didn’t even try to enjoy it (again not saying ppl in the past didn't try to enjoy it but it's hard to word 😭).
I’m (kindaaa) introverted, but I really want to break out of that and make Japanese friends. I’ve tried HelloTalk (it’s cool but pretty slow for meeting in person. But I do agree that you can build real cool and interesting deep friendships, as I already have done and even plan to meet up with some of them when I'm out there.)
But what actually worked for you/do you recommend? Any apps, routines, places, or events that helped you meet locals? My situation financially is quite fortunate as I've saved up for years, so is taking small trips to more rural areas or even other cities like Fukuoka recommended if it helps me connect more with locals?
As I said I'm 21, so it would obv be ideal to meet people my age, but I think it'll be just as cool to meet older people too. I don't think age even matters tbh. I'm totally down to speak to older people as they tend to speak slower and I think it will be different, but interesting. So maybe like a guest house stay or something?
Anyway… I just wanna make this year count, even if I'm a little introverted. There's gonna be times where I feel like giving up or when I've used up my social battery, but I truly do think my desire to want to interact with Japanese ppl and culture will outweigh that.
Would love to hear any advice or personal experiences and my bad for going on and on..🙏
by Signal-Eye1311