View Relationships:Friendship
It seems to be fairly simple to make friends in the major cities in Japan, but it is probably one of the biggest challenges affecting foreign women in the countryside. Cities tend to contain many people from other countries, all of whom need friends, and since we tend to stick out in the crowds we are easy to pick out. Generally, Westerners are supportive of one another and willing to introduce you to others, for both work and friendship purposes. Japanese people are often interested in talking to you because you are a foreigner, they want to speak English, or they just want you to feel comfortable.
There are many organisations and events in Japan, either for foreigners or foreigners and Japanese, through which one can meet new people. Check Women’s Organisations, classified ads in magazines and newspapers, or join one of the many email newsletters. Be aware though, one of the difficulties of being in any new environment is that you may find yourself hanging out with people with whom you have very little in common.
Many Western women say that it is much more difficult to form deep friendships with Japanese friends. Those that do develop friendships with Japanese women find that they are close, supportive, and loyal, and it is often those friendships they miss the most when they return to their home countries.
It takes effort to maintain close friendships in Japan. It is rare to be living in the same neighbourhood as your close friends and most people have such busy schedules that they often find themselves booking a coffee with each other two weeks in advance, especially in Tokyo.
Being in a foreign country provides you with the opportunity to meet all kinds and nationalities of people you may never have met in your home country. (It also gives you countless places to stay all over the world!)