I kept wondering, “What if all those friendly conversations were just a mirage? What if everything changes once they see me in person?”
I’m happy to say that I had nothing to worry about.
Since arriving, I’ve met so many kind, open-minded Japanese people who’ve made a genuine effort to get to know me. They haven’t just been polite—they’ve treated me like a real friend. They’ve invited me out to cafes and parties. I’ve invited them too and they’ve shown up. That mutual effort has meant everything.
For the past three years I've been searching for a place where I am not treated as scary or regarded with indifference by others. I have been longing to find my people. You know, people that see me and accept me for who I am.
I can honestly say that I have found them here in Japan.
Their inclusiveness helped open that door. But what really made these friendships possible was the fact that I put myself out there. I took the first step even when I wasn’t sure how I’d be received.
That’s the biggest piece of advice I can give—especially if you ever decide to study abroad in Japan:
Put yourself out there.
Join university clubs. Try to connect with Japanese students. When you arrive it might feel easier and more comfortable to stick with other international students. And that’s totally understandable. However, studying abroad isn’t just about staying comfortable, it’s about growing.
