How do you make friends in Japan?
 

When I go to Japan what are some ways I could meet people and make friends? I am not even good at doing that in my current location lol.

I feel your pain there. I'm the same way. Maybe you could make a topic for those in Japan on this board in that Friends section (or whatever). You could also go to a site and get an online penpal and maybe meet up with said friend after you go to Japan.

I hope I can make friends when I visit Japan too, it can be hard if you can't spend a few weeks getting to know them I think.

I made a good friend a few months ago though. We met and just 'clicked' but she had to leave 3 days later!! We ended up staying penpals and now she has come to live in my city for a while with her boyfriend.

This has taught me that friendships can come from anywhere and if it's meant to be then you can make it work! :) So have faith and I hope that you make some friends. ^_^

i have an idea: i have heard that gift giving is common in japan. when you give a small gift of thanks to someone attach a business card to it with your email address. also, try speaking japanese. i was in france and the instant i tried asking locals tourist type questions in french instead of in english they warmed up to me - especially the shop keepers. they seemed shocked that i even bothered

get really drunk at karaoke and stumble into the wrong booth - i have made quite a few friends from that method :D

LMAO!!! You just made my day with that one XD

yeh alcohol was definitly a friend maker for me last time i went even though it was only for a month. You will be surprised at how many japanese people can speak english when they are pissed. I remember i ended up becoming friends with some cop and then told him i was underage and he told me i was an adult LOL it was fun as (only just turned 17 at the time). Also me and my m8 stumbled into some business bar party HAHAHA they shouted us free drinks all night took photo's with us and bought us presents the next day ^.^ then took us surfing like a few days after..ah god good times. Then in kyoto when looking for accomidation we got a room and the owner of the joint showed up and took us out for dinner and karaoke then the next day took us to some giant copper bhuda...lol its not hard to make friends if you just go up and ask if they speak english and start a converstation with them thats usually enough :D

okay... but..
 

I am not drinking, no alcohol for me, so any other ideas???

How you make friends in Japan should basically be the same as in your own country, dontcha think? Keep an open attitude. Don't be too selective at an early stage.

I think the easiest way (and the most natural way) to make friends is to find people who share an interest with you. What are your interests? Hobbies? Do tell me and I'll tell you where to find some people with those interests in Japan (at least in Tokyo).

Finally, how much Japanese do you know? I ask this because you can't just stand on the corner and expect Japanese people to somehow strike a conversation with you in your language. You may have to say hello first, and do so smilingly. If you're nervous, that will make the other person nervous, too. So relax and enjoy our country.