The number of study abroad programs in Japan is increasing, including short-term language study abroad programs for individuals during summer and spring vacations, as well as transfer to partner schools in Japan and language programs at universities and high schools. However, one of the biggest concerns is making friends in Japan.
In Japan, where culture, customs, and values are different, trying to communicate may not go well.
This article will introduce how to communicate and behave in Japan.
There are three ways to make friends in your study abroad destination.
- Learn the flow of self-introductions and standard phrases.
- Greet others by their names and with a smile.
- Don’t be afraid of making mistakes and try to speak to them in Japanese.
First, introduce yourself.
If your name is long or difficult to pronounce, use a nickname to make it easier for the Japanese to remember you.
Next, talk about where you are from. You can impress them by adding a few words about the location of your hometown and any features that may be of interest to them. In addition, talk about your hobbies, special skills, and favorite things to do. A reason for coming to study abroad is also recommended.
After talking about your hometown and hobbies, ask about the other person by saying, “How about you?”
Call the person’s name and greet them with a smile.
When you meet someone to whom you have already introduced yourself, call out their name and greet them with a smile.
In Japan, remembering names is important for making friends. When you are greeted, reply with the person’s name and give a smile.
Don’t be afraid of making mistakes, and speak to them in Japanese proactively.
In Japan, cooperation is valued and being considerate of others’ feelings is considered a virtue.
However, you can be more aggressive than you think. You should attack them as much as you can. Compliment their clothes or hairstyle, talk about homework or classes, ask them what they think about the latest topic, invite them out to lunch, and if you can keep the conversation going, you will get to know them better! Even if your grammar or pronunciation is a little off, they will be able to understand what you mean from the situation you are in during the conversation.
If you use Japanese more and more without fear of making mistakes, you will naturally make more friends.
Practice expressing your own opinions.
Even if your Japanese is not very good, if you try your best to speak, the other person will listen to you carefully. Topics can range from history, culture, nature, and sports of each other’s country or study abroad destination. Japanese anime and manga are also popular topics. Differences in diet and customs are also interesting.
Since the topics are familiar and easy to converse about, why don’t you start the conversation?
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