How to Make Friends in Japan as a Student (Tips That Actually Work)

2025/07/12

Moving to a new country can be exciting, but also lonely. When I first arrived in Japan, I was overwhelmed by the language, the culture, and the quiet streets that made me feel like a ghost in a world that kept spinning without me. But over time, and through some very real efforts, I started building connections that turned this foreign land into my second home.
In this blog post, I’ll share how I made friends in Japan — through school clubs, local events, international meetups, language apps, and even dating platforms — and how you can too.

Why Making Friends in Japan Can Be Hard (at First)

Japan is a beautiful country, but if you’re a foreigner, especially one who doesn’t speak fluent Japanese yet, making friends can feel like climbing Mt. Fuji without shoes. Social groups in Japan often form early — from childhood, school, or work — and people are polite, but reserved. You might smile at your classmates every day, but still feel like a stranger.

At first, I thought something was wrong with me. Why weren’t people inviting me out? Why did conversations stay so surface-level? But I learned that it wasn’t personal. It was cultural. And once I understood that, I started finding the right paths to build genuine friendships.

Joining a School Club（部活）

One of the most important decisions I made was joining a school club at my Japanese language school. At first, I was nervous — the clubs were mostly in Japanese, and I barely understood more than “こんにちは”. But I joined anyway, and that decision changed everything.

In our club activities, we didn’t just study Japanese. We made bento lunches together, played games, and even went on small trips. With time, I became close to a few Japanese classmates and other international students who were also trying to find their place in this country. We helped each other — with language, homework, and life. It felt like I was no longer alone in my journey.

If you’re studying in Japan, join a club. Even if you’re shy, even if your Japanese isn’t great. It’s one of the best ways to meet people who are open to new friendships.

Attending Local Events and Festivals

Japan is full of local events and seasonal festivals — from hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in spring to summer matsuri with fireworks and yukatas. I found out about some of these through school flyers and local community boards.

One time, I went to a small Tanabata festival in my neighborhood alone. I felt awkward at first, but then I saw a group of university students inviting people to write wishes on colorful paper. I joined them, and we ended up talking for an hour — in a mix of broken English and beginner Japanese. Later, we followed each other on Instagram, and eventually, we met again for karaoke.

Don’t be afraid to go to events alone. The shared atmosphere of fun and tradition can naturally break the ice. Bring an open heart — and maybe a few Japanese phrases — and you’ll be surprised how warm people can be.

Exploring International Meetups

The biggest game-changer for me was discovering international meetups. In cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and even smaller towns, you can find meetups for language exchange, board games, hiking, cooking, or even Pokémon fans. Websites like Meetup.com, Facebook groups, and apps like HelloTalk or Bumble BFF helped me find events near me.

At my first language exchange meetup, I was incredibly nervous. But I ended up meeting people from Japan, Taiwan, France, and Brazil — all gathered around the same table, laughing and learning from each other. It became a weekly ritual, and from those meetups, I made some of my closest friends in Japan.

Tip: Go regularly to the same meetup. Friendships don’t happen in one night. Showing up again and again builds trust and familiarity.

Staying Connected to Home (And Learning to Let Go)

In my first months in Japan, I felt an intense need to stay connected with my friends and family back in Chile. I called them almost every day, sometimes even staying up past midnight to match the time difference. I didn’t want to feel alone, and hearing familiar voices gave me a sense of comfort and belonging.

But over time, I realized something important — I was holding onto my old life so tightly that I wasn’t allowing my new one to grow. My heart was still living in Chile, while my body was in Japan. And that emotional split made it harder to fully embrace what was in front of me.

Of course, I never stopped talking to my friends or family — they’re part of who I am. But I started setting boundaries, calling less frequently and spending more time exploring Japan, meeting people, and creating my own space here. That shift helped me feel more present. It allowed me to live in Japan, not just be in Japan.

Using Language Apps and Even Dating Apps

Another unexpected way I met people in Japan was through language and cultural exchange apps. I used apps like HelloTalk, Tandem, and even Bumble — yes, the dating app, but also Bumble BFF and Bumble For Friends. These platforms weren’t just about language practice or romance — they helped me find people who were also looking for connection.

I remember chatting with a Japanese university student on HelloTalk who wanted to improve her Spanish. We ended up meeting for coffee and became good friends. Through Bumble, I met both foreigners and Japanese locals interested in cultural exchange. Some chats didn’t go far, but a few turned into real, lasting friendships.

These apps gave me a chance to connect from my comfort zone — behind a screen — and gradually build trust before meeting in person. If you’re nervous about starting conversations in public, try starting online. There are plenty of people in Japan who also want to make friends but don’t know where to begin.

The Language Barrier (And How to Break It)

I won’t lie: the language barrier is real. Sometimes, I couldn’t follow conversations. Sometimes, I made embarrassing mistakes. But I learned something important: people appreciate effort more than perfection.

I started studying Japanese more seriously, and I noticed how even small improvements helped deepen my relationships. My friends would teach me slang. I’d teach them English or Spanish. We laughed at our mistakes and learned from each other.

If you’re afraid of your Japanese level, don’t let that stop you. Just say something. People will meet you halfway.

What I Learned About Friendship in Japan

Making friends in Japan taught me patience, humility, and the power of shared experience. Friendships here might take longer to form, but when they do, they run deep. I’ve had friends invite me to their family homes, help me during tough times, and celebrate birthdays with me in the most thoughtful ways.

And as I slowly let go of the need to stay emotionally tied to my old life in Chile, I began to feel more present — more at home — in Japan. I realized that making friends wasn’t just about meeting people, but about making space for them in my life.

Final Thoughts: You’re Not Alone

I wrote this post because I wish someone had told me these things when I arrived. That it’s okay to feel lost. That it’s normal to be lonely. That friendship in Japan isn’t impossible — it just takes a little more time, and a little more heart.

So if you’re in Japan and wondering how to make friends, start small. Join a club. Go to a local event. Chat on an app. Say yes to that karaoke invite, even if you don’t know the lyrics.

You’re not alone. And somewhere in Japan, someone is also waiting to meet a friend like you.