At the beginning of my new life in Japan, I realized that I didn't know as much Japanese as I thought I did. I could only form basic sentences and couldn't understand the shop clerks like I can now. As you can imagine, my confidence was shot. How was I supposed to make friends here? I was used to communicating fluently back at home, but now I was back to square one. Making friends would prove to be tough, and as a person who is used to speaking, I often felt agitated. However, over time things began to get a little easier.
Maintaining a social life in a new place can be difficult. To avoid becoming a hermit, find a comfortable place to frequent. Cafes and bars are great places to meet people. After a few visits, it will become easier. A drink or two can help you loosen up and practice your Japanese. Don't be too self-conscious, just speak. You may be surprised by how much you remember. Even if your Japanese isn't perfect, you can still communicate, exchange contact information, and make new friends.
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Attending events can help you get involved in your community. As a JET ALT, you may have access to a group chat or know other JETs who go out to events. Don't think you're too good to join them. If you're not confident in your Japanese ability, you can still learn a lot from JETs who are.
…it's important to remember that you will fill a unique space that really needs you.
Consider going a step further and attending events advertised around your city. In my area, there are plenty of events, and I make an effort to attend them. If you're in the countryside (inaka), you may not have as many opportunities for local events, but don't give up hope! This is a great opportunity to take a small trip to somewhere you haven’t been before.
If you're too nervous to make friends in person, you can try meeting people online. There are many benefits to this. Chatting with someone through text means you can take your time, which is great for learning Japanese. If you're not sure where to start, you can check out Tandem or HelloTalk. I've met some great people on these apps. But always remember to put safety first, especially when meeting people you've talked to online.
Consider sharing your experience, whether it be at a panel with other ALTs, in YouTube videos, or in the form of a blog. You may be surprised by how much your experience can help others navigate their new life and by the many friends you can make. Sharing your experiences with other people can help you build your own community.
One of the things that stops a lot of people from trying something is that they often think about countless others doing the same thing. However, it's important to remember that you will fill a unique space that really needs you. No one can deliver content in the same way that you can. So, share your experience anyway and build a community close to you.
You may be surprised by how much your experience can help others navigate their new life and by the many friends you can make.
It can be intimidating to try something new, but remember that it's okay to feel scared. If you're feeling afraid, that's probably a sign that it's a chance for you to grow. In a past blog, I discussed the issue of loneliness in Japan. It's common to feel lonely in an unfamiliar place. For the natives of Japan, loneliness can also be common. I encourage you to take some steps to form a social circle that brings you comfort.
