I’m about to move to Japan to get my Ph.D., at the University of Shizuoka. It’s almost 4 years away from Brazil and I’m a little scared to be lonely. Any tips on how to have a social life in Japan? Anyone from Shizuoka here? o/
Once you’re thrust into adult life with no obvious peer group (school/college) around you, it’s more difficult to make friends anywhere. It’s not the place, it’s the situation. Japan’s no different from anywhere else in that respect, but if you speak the language welle nough for casual conversation, that’s a major help.
Definitely possible to make friends in Japan, but the language gap makes it more difficult. If you don’t already, definitely study japanese. Otherwise you’ll likely find a lot of people who just want you to teach them English, or you’ll meet people but it will be too complicated to keep up the relationship because you can’t communicate face to face very well. Your best bet is to have some hobbies, and search around to see if there is a group or club that does that thing. Instant common ground and something to talk about together.
I don’t think you’d have a problem making friends here. There’s a big Brazilian community around these parts so don’t worry about it too much. If you wanna hang out feel free to dm.
I studied in Shizuoka back in high school, lived just down the road from the University! It was a long time ago so it’s definitely a lot different now but you have got to check out the Prefectural Art Museum. I used to walk through the sculpture garden when I was feeling stressed.
If you like rock/vkei, there’s a little livehouse within walking distance of the JR station called sunash. They get some good bands through there!
I mostly made friends with foreigners and Japanese who were interested in foreign countries and languages. I tried really hard to be friends with my Japanese colleagues but nothing ever seemed to stick. Tried meetups and hobbies and the only time I ever ended up making friends was with the group above-mentioned.
Join the senior citizen walking/hiking group through the community center. Many of them learn English as a hobby, but usually they can’t speak very well, so it makes a good language exchange. They’ll then introduce you to the younger people in their lives and you can build up a circle of friends that way.
You can also check out the other activities in the community center.
Maybe you can also ask your school if they can set up a home stay.
As another person mentioned, there’s a big Brazilian community in Shizuoka and the surrounding areas, like Hamamtsu.
You’ll also get close to the other foreign exchange students, so from all sides, you won’t be lonely.
Have fun and lots of luck!
There’s a large Brazilian expat community in Hamamatsu
I don’t know about Japan specific but as someone else said, making friends is harder as you grow up. Here is what I do:
I am very good at volleyball. I am from Colombia and doing my master’s in Europe, so I can somewhat relate to how intimidating your situation is. Whenever I arrive somewhere new, I find a good volleyball group to join. Sports are generally good for your mental health, and I’m a very shy person but because I’m so passionate about volleyball and I’m good at it, I feel confident making calls I’m the field and it helps me loosen up and make friends. Plus I burn extra energy that helps me focus and it’s healthy.
So my advice: if you have any hobby, any interest, any skill, find a group for it. You are bound to meet someone, anyone, that way.
I have been here for 6 months and haven’t made 1 close friend yet, although I don’t feel like I need to, at this age I know who my friends are and I like the people in my life. However, I do have many casual friends I feel comfortable talking to when I bump into them and we have slowly gotten to know each other better.
I have been living here (Gunma) for 10 years now. I came from Brazil in 3rd grade of high school and started studying Japanese from there. Today I work as an in-house translator and have few but good friends. If you want I can give you a hand with the language. PhD in what field?
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Once you’re thrust into adult life with no obvious peer group (school/college) around you, it’s more difficult to make friends anywhere. It’s not the place, it’s the situation. Japan’s no different from anywhere else in that respect, but if you speak the language welle nough for casual conversation, that’s a major help.
Definitely possible to make friends in Japan, but the language gap makes it more difficult. If you don’t already, definitely study japanese. Otherwise you’ll likely find a lot of people who just want you to teach them English, or you’ll meet people but it will be too complicated to keep up the relationship because you can’t communicate face to face very well. Your best bet is to have some hobbies, and search around to see if there is a group or club that does that thing. Instant common ground and something to talk about together.
I don’t think you’d have a problem making friends here. There’s a big Brazilian community around these parts so don’t worry about it too much. If you wanna hang out feel free to dm.
I studied in Shizuoka back in high school, lived just down the road from the University! It was a long time ago so it’s definitely a lot different now but you have got to check out the Prefectural Art Museum. I used to walk through the sculpture garden when I was feeling stressed.
If you like rock/vkei, there’s a little livehouse within walking distance of the JR station called sunash. They get some good bands through there!
I mostly made friends with foreigners and Japanese who were interested in foreign countries and languages. I tried really hard to be friends with my Japanese colleagues but nothing ever seemed to stick. Tried meetups and hobbies and the only time I ever ended up making friends was with the group above-mentioned.
Join the senior citizen walking/hiking group through the community center. Many of them learn English as a hobby, but usually they can’t speak very well, so it makes a good language exchange. They’ll then introduce you to the younger people in their lives and you can build up a circle of friends that way.
You can also check out the other activities in the community center.
Maybe you can also ask your school if they can set up a home stay.
As another person mentioned, there’s a big Brazilian community in Shizuoka and the surrounding areas, like Hamamtsu.
You’ll also get close to the other foreign exchange students, so from all sides, you won’t be lonely.
Have fun and lots of luck!
There’s a large Brazilian expat community in Hamamatsu
I don’t know about Japan specific but as someone else said, making friends is harder as you grow up. Here is what I do:
I am very good at volleyball. I am from Colombia and doing my master’s in Europe, so I can somewhat relate to how intimidating your situation is. Whenever I arrive somewhere new, I find a good volleyball group to join. Sports are generally good for your mental health, and I’m a very shy person but because I’m so passionate about volleyball and I’m good at it, I feel confident making calls I’m the field and it helps me loosen up and make friends. Plus I burn extra energy that helps me focus and it’s healthy.
So my advice: if you have any hobby, any interest, any skill, find a group for it. You are bound to meet someone, anyone, that way.
I have been here for 6 months and haven’t made 1 close friend yet, although I don’t feel like I need to, at this age I know who my friends are and I like the people in my life. However, I do have many casual friends I feel comfortable talking to when I bump into them and we have slowly gotten to know each other better.
I have been living here (Gunma) for 10 years now. I came from Brazil in 3rd grade of high school and started studying Japanese from there. Today I work as an in-house translator and have few but good friends. If you want I can give you a hand with the language. PhD in what field?