Job Discussion Forums

[thomthom]

I know this is not strictly related to teaching, but it's relevant to anybody moving to Japan. I also feel a bit lame asking the question but I think internet friend-making is a justified activity when you're living in a strange new country where nobody speaks English: Which are the most popular social networking and dating websites in Japan?

Is there a Japanese equivalent of Facebook or Myspace that everybody uses? I've seen things like Mixi, which seem to require a Japanese phone number in order to register (that must help keep the gaijins away!) ..

[kpjf]

Why not use Couchsurfing and contact people to meet for a coffee?

Being a native English speaker people might think wow, a free hour for practising English and who knows you could genuinely become friends with that person (of course if they don't just see you as someone they can practise their English with for free).

[kathrynoh]

I second Couchsurfing as a great way to meet people. They have get-togethers in most cities or people wanting others to join them for day trips etc.

If you are learning Japanese, I'd go on Lang8. It's a language exchange site but also a good way to meet people. Some people might be funny about meeting up face to face but others love to get to meet you. I've made a couple of good friends through it.

I don't know if even Japanese people use Mixi any more. I used to have an account but lost the password ages ago and stopped using it. A lot of strange people on there.

A lot of Japanese people use facebook now. If you talk to someone for more than 2 mins in a bar, they'll probably ask to friend you on facebook - then just randomly "like" your status every so often and nothing more.

[kah5217]

Facebook works. You can set it up so that it displays your name in the language of your friend. Like, I'm Kelly to my US friends and ケリー to my Japanese friends.

[thomthom]

Indeed Couchsurfing is probably the best social site out there. I met up with some people through it the last time I was in Tokyo. I was curious there wasn't some Japanese equivalent of Facebook, like in Korea they all tend to use Naver. Apparently only 11% of Japanese people use Facebook compared to just over 50% of people in the US and UK. That seems low but I suppose that's comprised of most people aged 20-30.

[stumptowny]

meetup has lots of groups, at least around tokyo. just remember, speak in japanese or you will be getting milked for free english speaking practice.. these people don't truly have gaijin friends..

[OneJoelFifty]

[Evilcows]

I second the comment about meetup.com They have a lot of events in tokyo and some in chiba. I've looked at some kansai locations such as nagoya but there wasn't a lot. Perhaps you should look into making one if there's nothing in your area?