Posted on

Discover unique cultural experiences and interactions beyond hotel stays through our exclusive “BORDERLESS TRAVEL” program for residents!

Hello everyone! Welcome to Borderless House.

Here at Borderless House, the new friendships and interactions under one roof provide a unique sense of fulfillment that only comes from living it.

Japanese residents might find themselves teaching Japanese to their new international housemates, assisting with various administrative procedures, and adapting to life in Japan. This mutual support mirrors the help we would seek if we were traveling or living abroad ourselves.

Stepping out of the comfort of home takes courage, but a warm community waiting at your destination can make any overseas adventure enjoyable and reassuring.

Today, we’re excited to introduce BORDERLESS TRAVEL, where you can enjoy short stays at Borderless Houses in different countries and meet new housemates across borders.

We’ll share the story of Yuzuki, who ventured from Kyoto’s Nishijin House to spend a week in February 2024 at KORYODAE2 HOUSE in Korea. Yuzuki will tell us about her experiences in Japan, her adventures in Korea, and the allure of BORDERLESS TRAVEL.

We also have comments from Robin, the manager of BORDERLESS KOREA, so stay tuned till the end for more insights!

Click here for more details on BORDERLESS TRAVEL!！

Embracing English: Yuzuki’s Journey at Nishijin House

Yuzuki’s time at Nishijin House brought about a significant shift in her views on English and international interactions. She explained that her decision to move there stemmed from a desire to conquer her fear of English and engage with people from different countries.

Although she initially enjoyed English, the stress of exam preparation diminished her passion, and she struggled to speak fluently. Yuzuki realized the limitations of speaking only Japanese and saw the potential of English to connect her with diverse cultures and ideas.

Driven by the need to immerse herself in an English-speaking environment, Yuzuki chose to live at Borderless House.

───Did you consider any other share houses before choosing Borderless House?

Yuzuki: Actually, I didn’t look anywhere else. I decided to move into Borderless House the same day I visited. The environment offered the perfect mix of English practice and social opportunities, all within my budget. Plus, I was planning to study abroad the next year, so the idea of practicing for that experience while still in Japan seemed perfect to me.

─── Could you tell us about your housemates at Nishijin House?

Yuzuki: On my first day, one of my housemates surprised me by inviting me to a party right away, which was unexpected (laughs)! Initially, I was nervous, but everyone was so welcoming that I quickly warmed up to them.

I formed a close bond with a foreign housemate, and we often went out together. I also shared unique insights with a working professional housemate. Whenever we faced challenges or disagreements in our shared living situation, we were able to discuss and resolve them during our regular house meetings at Nishijin House. It truly was a great community to be a part of.

───Have you noticed any personal growth or changes during your time at Nishijin House?

Yuzuki: Absolutely! Initially, spending time with people from other countries was out of the ordinary for me, and it came with a bit of tension. But after living in Borderless House, I’ve become comfortable engaging freely in conversations without considering race or nationality.

It’s been incredibly enriching to learn from the diverse perspectives and strong convictions of my housemates.

Embarking on My First Solo International Journey with BORDERLESS TRAVEL!

───How did you become interested in BORDERLESS TRAVEL?

Yuzuki: I’ve known about the program since I moved in and always wanted to try it. I felt staying at a Borderless House abroad would be more enriching than solo hotel stays, allowing me to learn the language and engage with locals.

It seemed like a perfect way to prepare for my first solo international trip before studying in Canada this summer.

─── Your first experience living abroad was with BORDERLESS TRAVEL. Did you encounter any challenges during your travel?

Yuzuki: It was quite nerve-wracking, especially going through immigration for the first time and figuring out train transfers on my own. But luckily, everything went smoothly without any major problems!

Yuzuki: When I got to Koryodaes House, I was greeted by Robin, the staff member I had been communicating with by email. Meeting him in person really helped me settle in. He showed me around and shared some local tips and places to visit.

───Traveling abroad for the first time can be quite daunting. Did you notice any notable differences during your stay in the Borderless House in Korea compared to Japan?

Yuzuki: Definitely. For example, I had to separate organic waste from burnable trash, and in public restrooms, I couldn’t flush toilet paper but had to discard it in a bin.

Living in an environment close to the local lifestyle, unlike a hotel stay, made me more aware of these cultural differences. This is one of the unique advantages of BORDERLESS TRAVEL.

Language Learning, Cultural Exploration, and International Connections: Maximize the Benefits of Short-Term Stays!

───During your seven-day stay, did you make any specific efforts?

Yuzuki: I focused on being proactive in starting conversations with my housemates. It was my first time in a shared room overseas, and I quickly hit it off with my Italian roommate on the first day. She left for Tokyo the next day, so we couldn’t meet again, but we kept in touch through Instagram, sharing messages and updates about her trip.

Many of my housemates were interested in Japan, so we enjoyed mingling and conversing in Japanese, English, and Korean.

───Did you also converse in Korean during your stay?

Yuzuki: Yes, I’ve been a fan of Korean dramas, which helped me learn the language pretty naturally. I actually speak Korean better than English! While there, Robin invited me to a Language Exchange event, where I got to meet and chat with people outside the house, making my stay even more enjoyable.

───It sounds like you made the most of your 7-day stay! What other activities did you do?

Yuzuki: I visited historic sites and museums that caught my interest. I dressed in traditional Korean clothes and explored Gyeongbokgung Palace, and I also went to the DMZ near the North Korean border.

I participated in a tour aimed at Japanese visitors and connected well with other participants. We discussed how the conflict known in Japan as the “Korean War” is referred to in Korea. Learning about Korean perspectives on their history was incredibly insightful.

─── Reflecting on your 7-day stay, could you highlight what makes BORDERLESS TRAVEL so special?

Yuzuki: Definitely! The program offers deep cultural experiences and meaningful interactions with local housemates that you just can’t get from staying in a hotel. It allows you to live much closer to how the locals do, which is unique to BORDERLESS TRAVEL.

I think even short stays can provide significant learning and insights. I recommend starting with a stay in a domestic Borderless House to get a feel for international exchange before trying out the program.

A Message from Robin, Korean Operations Staff

BORDERLESS TRAVEL, with its strong emphasis on tourism and travel aspects, offers an exciting experience that’s a bit different from our usual resident support. It was Yuzuki’s first solo international trip, so we actively shared information about tourist spots and recommended gourmet spots to ensure she could fully enjoy her time in Korea.

With a recent expansion in our staff at Borderless House Korea, we’re now even better equipped to support our guests in a variety of ways.

I enjoy keeping up with the latest trends and sharing new information, so I encourage you to take advantage of BORDERLESS TRAVEL and come visit us in Korea.

I’m looking forward to meeting you!

 

 

ーーーーーーーーーーーー

BORDERLESS TRAVEL, part of the Borderless Mates program, is an exclusive initiative for residents that offers connections beyond the typical share house experience.

Please note that due to the availability of vacancies at the destination, we may not be able to accommodate your preferred timing or house. We recommend contacting us before booking your flight.

Posted on

Global Living at Ikebukuro, Tokyo: Interview with a Japanese Housemate at Oyama House!

Hello everyone! Welcome to Borderless House.

We often rave about how “the exchange is lively!” and “every day is an international interaction!” However, we thought many of you might be curious about what life really looks like for the Japanese residents living in such a vibrant environment.

So, we decided to sit down with Shota, a Japanese housemate currently living in Ikebukuro Oyama House, for an exclusive interview! Shota shared with us why he chose Borderless House, his day-to-day experiences filled with international exchanges, and his recommendations for who would enjoy living in Ikebukuro Oyama House. His insights offer a unique perspective that only a senior housemate could provide.

This interview turned out to be a fantastic piece that truly conveys the joy of living in a Borderless House. We hope you enjoy reading it as much as we did!

Building Deep Connections with International Friends

───Why Shota Chose Borderless House

When asked why he decided to move into Borderless House, Shota shared a compelling story. The spark of interest was ignited by a university classmate who had lived in one of the Borderless Houses. What struck Shota most was how much his friend missed the place and the deep connections he had made with friends from around the world after moving out. “The chance to build such deep relationships with international friends seemed rare, and that really drew me in,” Shota explains.

Adding to the appeal, Shota is currently attending a flight school with aspirations of becoming a pilot, making the daily English immersion offered by living in a Borderless House particularly attractive. “It’s not just about the classroom learning; being able to familiarize myself with English through everyday life was a big plus for me.” After comparing other share houses, Shota concluded that Borderless House seemed like the most fun and enriching option, leading to his decision to join.

───Choosing Ikebukuro Oyama House: The Reason Behind the Decision

When delving into why he chose Ikebukuro Oyama House among the many options available, Shota highlights a pivotal moment during his search. The recommendation from the staff member who conducted his house tour was the deciding factor. “I visited in June 2023, right after the house had opened, so all the residents were about to start a new chapter of their lives there,” Shota recalls.

The staff member’s advice resonated deeply with him: “While blending into an existing house community has its own charm, there’s a unique excitement in creating a new community from scratch.” Inspired by the prospect of being part of something fresh and building a new community together, Shota was thrilled to choose Ikebukuro Oyama House as his new home.

Life with International Housemates at Ikebukuro Oyama House

Upon being asked about the unique aspects of living in Ikebukuro Oyama House that came to light after moving in, Shota enthusiastically shared his experiences. “Even compared to other houses, I feel like the bond among residents here is particularly strong. There’s always a conversation happening, and we frequently go out together or throw house parties. It’s been fun every day.”

Recalling his early days in the house, Shota admits, “Trying to communicate through nuances, using gestures and all sorts of body language—I remember how desperate I was to make myself understood (laughs).”

───A Memorable Communication Experience

One time, a housemate fell ill, and I accompanied them to the hospital. It was an impactful experience for me. I had to listen to my housemate’s symptoms and convey them to the doctor, then translate the doctor’s diagnosis back to my housemate. Filling out the medical forms was challenging too, as my housemate was unsure what to write. I helped explain each section and assisted with writing the necessary parts in Kanji. Explaining foreign health insurance was incredibly difficult, but looking back, it’s become a valuable memory. It’s an experience I owe to living in Borderless House.

▲Becoming Best Friends with Mats After a Hospital Visit

Shota reflects on how unique experiences, like accompanying a foreign friend to the hospital, are not common in everyday life in Japan. He then recalls another memorable event that helped shape the community at Ikebukuro Oyama House.

“One of my fondest memories is from the first house meeting we had shortly after I moved in. Since the house had just opened, there were no established rules for cleaning, shopping, or other household tasks. We all gathered to discuss and assign roles, establish cleaning standards, and create rules to ensure a comfortable living environment for everyone.

At that time, I was still getting used to communicating in English, so I participated with the support of the Japanese members. The discussion, especially led by the foreign members, became incredibly passionate.”

▲Rotating Cleaning Duties and Passionate Discussions

The system for dividing cleaning responsibilities at Ikebukuro Oyama House is based on a weekly rotation, with a whiteboard used to confirm who is in charge each week. Shota elaborates on the dynamics of these organizational meetings, emphasizing the constructive nature of their discussions.

“It wasn’t about arguing or fighting, but everyone was committed to sharing their opinions and coming to an agreement that satisfied everyone. While we might not have reached a unanimous decision, the process of openly sharing our thoughts, engaging in earnest discussions with our international housemates, and experiencing the heated atmosphere of those debates was incredibly valuable.”

Everyday Fun Turns into Precious Opportunities for Interaction

───One of the most enjoyable experiences was going to DisneySea with a few housemates who were about to graduate from the house. It was incredibly fun!

 “There was this one time someone started playing music, and suddenly we were all dancing in the queue (laughs).”

Shota fondly remembers the laughter that filled their day, from sharing memories of their time at the house to playing games to pass the time while waiting for rides. “Looking back, I realize we were constantly laughing, making the most of every moment together.”

───The Ups and Downs of Community Living

“If you enjoy engaging in conversations and interacting with others, life at Ikebukuro Oyama House is incredible!” Shota exclaims, highlighting the enriching social environment the house offers.

However, he also acknowledges that the vibrant social life comes with its own set of challenges. “On the flip side, the active social scene can have its downsides. For instance, when I have work and the other housemates go out together, I can’t help but feel a bit restless… It’s kind of like feeling jealous (laughs).”

Shota shares a candid insight into the challenges of communal living, particularly when it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of a large share house. Despite the task of cleaning being distributed on a weekly rotation, he admits, “The cleaning can be quite daunting, given the size of the house. It honestly feels bothersome at times.” However, Shota finds motivation in the collective effort of the housemates, stating, “Since we all cooperate to adhere to the rules and keep the house in a clean state, I’m able to push through and do my part.”

▲Because everyone diligently fulfills their cleaning duties, the house is always kept in a clean state.

He further reflects on the communal spirit, saying, “Sharing and cooperating in tasks, no matter how daunting or mundane, is a form of interaction within itself. Neglecting these simple moments, like cleaning or dishwashing, means missing out on valuable opportunities for connection. I make a conscious effort to collaborate with my housemates, seizing these chances to enhance our shared living experience.”

Oyama is a fantastic area with a variety of restaurants nearby, making it a very convenient place to live.

He shares a special anecdote that adds a personal touch to the neighborhood’s charm: “Right in front of the house, there’s a pizza place run by an owner with whom we’ve become very close. We often order pizza for our house parties, and the owner is so kind that he personally delivers the pizza to us, even though they normally don’t offer delivery service.”


Shota shares a glimpse into the fun dining experiences with his housemates, mentioning their fondness for late-night snack runs to affordable and popular spots like Mister Donut and McDonald’s. “We often go out to buy loads of snacks from Mister Donut and McDonald’s since they’re inexpensive and open late. Then, we come back to the house and share everything. It’s a common and enjoyable routine for us!”

───The house is just a one-minute walk from Oyama Station and located along a major street, making it safe even for women.

Addressing concerns about the neighborhood’s safety, especially given its proximity to Ikebukuro, Shota provides reassurance. “The house is just a one-minute walk from Oyama Station and is located along a main street, so it feels safe even for women. Although it’s close to Ikebukuro, the area isn’t too noisy. Plus, the shopping district is well-lit until late, so I don’t think there’s any need to worry about walking at night.”

───When asked about who would most enjoy living at Ikebukuro Oyama House, Shota believes it’s an ideal place for those who love socializing.

“Anyone who enjoys interacting with others will definitely have a great time here! We often organize outings and house parties, making it especially suitable for students who can easily schedule their time around such activities.”

When asked about who would most enjoy living at Ikebukuro Oyama House, Shota believes it’s an ideal place for those who love socializing. “Anyone who enjoys interacting with others will have a great time here! We often organize outings and house parties, making it especially suitable for students who can easily schedule their time around such activities.”

He further highlights the communal aspect of the house, “The charm of Ikebukuro Oyama House lies in its common areas where housemates frequently gather, making it a bustling hub of activity. With many active members, it’s perfect for anyone looking forward to new encounters and enjoyable moments.”

Thank you, Shota, for the wonderful story!

Interested in Living at Ikebukuro Oyama House?

If Shota’s experiences have sparked your interest in living at Ikebukuro Oyama House, we encourage you to check out the house’s searching page for vacancy information and inquiries!

Posted on

Savoring Autumn: A Gourmet BBQ Experience with Borderless House Community

Welcome back to Borderless House!

Today we’ll delve into more exciting community information from Borderless House Kansai.

In this blog, we’re spotlighting yet another engaging event for our residents – the ‘BBQ Networking Event’ held last November. This BBQ gathering, which saw enthusiastic participation from 15 residents, including both international and Japanese members, was a resounding success!

Let’s dive into a quick recap of the day’s lively happenings.

BBQ Networking Event Report

At this event, members from five different houses came together, making it a great chance to meet new friends from beyond our own houses.

The event was truly international! We had people joining from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, Australia, Mexico, France, Austria, Hungary, and many other places.

We were really happy to have our residents’ friends join in too. It made the event even more fun for everyone.

Our BBQ took place at Expo ’70 Park in Osaka. We had a lovely sunny autumn day, and the park’s fall leaves were just gorgeous. It couldn’t have been better!

Once we all said hello to each other, it was time to start the BBQ. Chopping veggies, grilling meat – everyone did a great job. Living in a share house really shows; our teamwork was amazing!

At the BBQ, while we were eating, everyone talked about what life is like in their own share houses.

It was really interesting because we all live in different houses. We shared tips on how to make living together more enjoyable, using our own experiences. This kind of chat, which is really special to Borderless House, made the day even more fun.

After we finished the BBQ, we all went for a walk in the beautiful, green park to enjoy the autumn scenery.

It felt like we had known each other for a long time, even though we had just met that day. Everyone was saying things like, “I had a great time!” and “Thank you for inviting me!” It was a day filled with lots of smiles.

In Borderless House Kansai, we’ve had lots of different events!

We plan to tell you more about what we do in our blog posts coming up. We’d be really happy if you keep an eye out for our new updates!

Posted on

Game On! Building Friendships at Borderless House Exciting Board Game Night

Hi there! We’re back at Borderless House.

Today’s blog is about more fun stuff from Borderless House Kansai, right after our udon-making event!

This time, we’re excited to share the highlights from our board game meet-ups, held in October and November last year. Although we’re sharing this a bit later, last year was packed with fun events in Kansai, so stick around for more stories and laughs! 

Board Game Gathering in Kyoto, Japan!

For our latest event, we aimed to not only strengthen the bonds between our residents but also to help everyone get more comfortable with Japanese in a fun way. We believed that engaging in games and various activities would naturally spark conversations, making the idea of speaking Japanese less daunting.

We chose a board game café located close to one of our houses for the venue.

At the cafe, we were amazed by the towering stacks of board games, reaching almost up to the ceiling! The owner, with a collection from all around the world, helped us pick out the perfect games for our group.

For our October gathering, we went with a card game. The fun part? We had to quickly make up stories based on the pictures on the cards. Trying to do this in English added an exciting twist!

There was a buzz of anticipation as we all watched to see which card would be played next. Everyone’s eyes were glued to the players’ every move.

At the café, one of the regulars happened to be there and was so intrigued that they asked, “Can I join in?” Thanks to this, our October event turned into a lively session with about 10 people playing and having a great time!

The best part about these games is they’re just as fun whether you’re in a big group or a small one. They offer a great mix of excitement and the chance for deeper conversations. We’re definitely looking forward to hosting more of these events!

Over the past year, Borderless House Kansai has been bustling with various activities. We’re excited to keep sharing these experiences through our blog. Stay tuned for more updates, and we hope you enjoy following along!

Posted on

From Hiragana to Kanji: A Guide to Learning Japanese & Special Discount for Japanese courses!

Japanese is an incredibly fascinating language to learn. With its unique writing system, rich cultural heritage, and fascinating grammar, it’s no wonder that so many people are interested in learning the language. But where do you begin? With three writing systems to learn, Japanese can seem daunting. However, with the right resources and approach, learning Japanese can be a fun and rewarding experience. In this guide, we’ll take you through the basics of learning Japanese, from the hiragana alphabet to kanji characters. We’ll give you tips on how to stay motivated and how to practice speaking and writing the language. So whether you’re planning on traveling to Japan or just want to explore a new language, this guide will help you get started on your journey to learning Japanese.

Why learn Japanese?

Japanese is a unique and fascinating language that is spoken by more than 127 million people worldwide. Learning Japanese can open up a whole new world of opportunities, both personal and professional. For example, if you are interested in Japanese culture, such as anime, manga, or traditional arts, being able to speak and understand Japanese will allow you to fully immerse yourself in these activities and gain a deeper appreciation for them.

On the other hand, if you are a business professional, knowledge of Japanese can give you a significant advantage in the global marketplace. Japan is the third-largest economy in the world, and many companies are seeking professionals who are fluent in Japanese and can navigate the business culture there.
In addition to cultural and professional opportunities, learning Japanese can also be a fun and rewarding experience. Japanese is a beautiful language with a rich history and vibrant culture. By learning Japanese, you will gain a new perspective on the world and build connections with people from different backgrounds.

Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji – What’s the difference?

When learning Japanese, it’s important to distinguish between the three writing systems: Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji. Hiragana and Katakana are both phonetic alphabets, whereas Kanji is based on Chinese characters.

Hiragana is the first writing system that Japanese children learn in school. It is used to write native Japanese words, particles, and verb endings. Hiragana consists of 46 characters, each representing a unique sound in Japanese. Hiragana is usually written in cursive style and is the most basic writing system in Japanese.

Katakana is the second phonetic alphabet used in Japanese. It is used to write foreign words, foreign names, and scientific words borrowed from other languages. Katakana consists of the same 46 characters as Hiragana, but it is usually written in a more angular style. It’s important to note that sometimes the same word can be written in both Hiragana and Katakana, but they may have different meanings.

Kanji, on the other hand, is based on Chinese characters and is the most complex writing system in Japanese. Kanji is used to write nouns, verbs, and adjectives. Each Kanji character represents a concept or idea, and many have multiple readings and meanings. There are thousands of Kanji characters, but Japanese students typically learn around 2,000 characters by the end of high school.

In conclusion, understanding the differences between Hiragana, Katakana, and Kanji is crucial when learning Japanese. By mastering these writing systems, you’ll be well on your way to fluency in the language.

How to master Hiragana

Hiragana is the first alphabet system you should master when learning Japanese. It’s a phonetic script that consists of 46 characters, each representing a specific sound. The best way to learn Hiragana is to use a combination of memorization and repetition techniques.

Start by downloading a Hiragana chart and studying the characters. Then, practice writing each character over and over again until you can confidently write them from memory. Flashcards are also a useful tool for memorizing Hiragana.
Another effective technique is to practice reading and writing Hiragana in context. You can do this by reading simple Japanese texts, such as children’s stories, and practicing writing out the Hiragana characters you see. This will help you remember the characters in a more natural way.

Finally, it’s important to review your progress regularly. Set aside a few minutes each day to practice writing and reading Hiragana. As you become more comfortable with the characters, you can start practicing writing and reading simple Japanese sentences. With consistent practice and dedication, you’ll be able to master Hiragana in no time and move on to learning more complex aspects of the Japanese language, such as Kanji.

How to master Katakana

Katakana is one of the three Japanese writing systems, along with Hiragana and Kanji. It is used to write loanwords from other languages, foreign names, and onomatopoeic words. In order to master Katakana, you need to start by memorizing the basic characters. This can be achieved by dedicating a few hours a week to practicing the characters through drills or flashcards.

Once you have memorized the basic characters, it’s time to start practicing reading and writing. You can do this by reading Katakana words in newspapers, magazines, or online articles. You can also practice writing Katakana words by hand, such as writing out menus or creating your own flashcards with Katakana words.

As you continue to practice Katakana, it’s important to pay attention to the nuances of the writing system, such as the elongated vowel sounds and small characters used to modify sounds. By mastering Katakana, you’ll be able to read and write many loanwords and foreign names used in the Japanese language, which will greatly improve your overall proficiency.

How to learn Kanji

Learning Kanji is a big hurdle for many people who are trying to learn Japanese. Kanji is a set of characters borrowed from Chinese, and it is used in the Japanese writing system to represent words and ideas. There are over 2,000 Kanji characters, and each has its own meaning and pronunciation. This makes learning Kanji a daunting task, but it is essential if you want to become proficient in Japanese.

One of the best ways to learn Kanji is to break it down into manageable chunks. Start by learning the basic strokes and radicals that make up the characters. You can then move on to memorizing the characters themselves. It is important to practice writing each character while also learning its meaning and pronunciation.

Another useful method for learning Kanji is to use flashcards. There are many apps and websites that offer digital flashcards, but physical flashcards can also be effective. Flashcards allow you to study the characters in small doses, which can help with retention.

Reading Japanese texts is also an effective way to learn Kanji. As you read, you will encounter new characters and words, and you can use context to help you understand their meaning. You can also use a Kanji dictionary to look up unfamiliar characters.

Finally, it is important to be patient and consistent when learning Kanji. It takes time to memorize all the characters, but with regular practice and study, you can make steady progress. Remember that learning Kanji is an important step toward becoming proficient in Japanese, so don’t give up!

Tips & Tricks for Learning Japanese

Learning Japanese can seem like a daunting task, but with some tips and tricks, it can be a fun and rewarding experience. Here are some ways to make the process easier and more enjoyable:

1. Immerse Yourself – Surround yourself with the language as much as possible. This includes listening to Japanese music, watching Japanese TV shows and movies, and speaking with native speakers. If your plan is to study Japanese in Japan, Borderless House is a place where residents are 50% of Japanese and 50% from foreign nations, so you can live and interact with Japanese locals on a daily basis!

2. Practice Daily – Consistent practice is key to learning any language. Try to set aside a few minutes each day to study and practice Japanese.

3. Use Apps & Language Learning Websites – There are many language learning apps and websites available that can help you learn Japanese. Some popular options include Duolingo, Lingodeer, and Memrise.

4. Learn the Basics First – Start with the basics of the language, such as hiragana and katakana, before moving on to more complex topics like kanji.

5. Take a Class – If you prefer a more structured approach, consider taking a class. Many community centers and universities offer Japanese language classes. For the online course, IMARI JAPAN offers lessons that are produced by an experienced native Japanese language teacher. 

6. Practice Writing – Writing in Japanese can help you remember vocabulary and grammar rules. Practice writing simple sentences and gradually work your way up to more complex writing tasks.

7. Make it Fun – Learning a language should be fun! Incorporate games, quizzes, and other fun activities into your Japanese learning routine.

By using these tips and tricks, you can make learning Japanese an enjoyable and rewarding experience. With consistent practice and dedication, you’ll be on your way to mastering this beautiful language.

BORDERLESS HOUSE TENANTS ONLY▏Special Discount for Japanese courses! 

BORDERLESS HOUSE is partnering with IMARI JAPAN to offer our tenants who want to learn Japanese affordable Japanese online lessons!

Imari is a licensed teacher with 6 years of teaching experience, born and raised in Japan. She is passionate about languages and education, she is also interested in learning about different cultures and has traveled to almost 20 countries. Currently, she is a full-time content creator creating educational, fun-to-learn Japanese content for podcasts, YouTube, and Instagram.

The online lessons are teaching casual and formal Japanese to learners of all levels! Please feel free to check here for the detailed price and information. 

-Discount to Borderless House tenants!-
・5% discount
　Once a week for 3 months (12 lessons)
　Twice a week for 3 months (24 lessons)
　Once a week for 6 months (24 lessons)
・10% discount
3 times a week for 3 months (36 lessons)
Twice a week for 6 months (48 lessons)
・15% discount
3 times a week for 6 months (72 lessons)

*The lesson will be conducted using Google Meet.
*In the class, students will use an original textbook created by IMARI JAPAN. They will create personalized text that is suited to students’ level and share slides with you as you learn!

Conclusion and next steps

In conclusion, learning Japanese can be both fun and challenging. However, with the right tools, resources, and dedication, it is definitely achievable. Remember to start with the basics, such as Hiragana and Katakana, before moving on to more complex characters like Kanji.

Additionally, immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Watch Japanese movies, listen to Japanese music, and practice speaking with native speakers when you can. This will not only help you improve your language skills but also give you a better understanding of Japanese culture.

As the next steps, consider finding a language exchange partner, joining a language learning community, or taking a formal class. There are many resources available online and in person to help you continue your Japanese language journey.

Remember that learning a language is a marathon, not a sprint. Take your time and enjoy the process. With consistent effort and practice, you will be able to read, write, and speak Japanese fluently in no time. Ganbatte (good luck)!


We hope this guide to learning Japanese has been helpful for those interested in starting their language journey. Japanese is a beautiful and complex language with a rich cultural background, and we believe that learning it can be a rewarding experience. Whether you are just starting out or have been studying for a while, we hope that this guide has provided you with valuable insight and tips to help you succeed. So, let’s start with “Konnichiwa” (hello) and keep practicing until we say “Sayonara” (goodbye) to this blog post!

 

Posted on

Make friends in a foreign language: Making mistakes is the key to getting comfortable!

Hello! My name is Reimi and I currently live in Japan. Like many of you, I fell in love with Japan a long time ago, and so living here is like making a dream come true. But of course, there are all sorts of obstacles to overcome when it comes to living in a foreign country or learning a new language. Given the chance to write about it, I wanted to write about the difficulties and rewards of learning Japanese. Saying you want to learn a foreign language is definitely easier said than done; you’re not alone in struggling, but it can be so worth it! 

YOUR REASON

What brings you to Japan?

The answer to this question might be different for each person, of course. Some people move to Japan for work, some come for school. Some have always wanted to visit, interested in the things that make Japan unique, like scenery, art, or food. Some want to learn Japanese or make friends in Japan. Some even come to Japan and end up never leaving! There are even programs that allow one to travel extensively and stay in foreign countries for an extended period of time with accommodation provided, such as work holidays or internship programs.

No matter what one’s reasons are, however, the fact remains that moving to a foreign country gives one a chance to learn about a new culture and learn a new language. They say that travel can teach you about yourself, expanding your horizons and challenging yourself in unfamiliar situations, so imagine how much more you’ll learn when you live somewhere entirely new.

EXPECTATION VERSUS REALITY

Myself, I’ll have been living in Japan for almost five years total. For most of that time, I came as a student, so making friends was definitely something I was looking forward to. Plus, at the time I moved, I had just barely graduated high school and I had never lived apart from my family, so there were always concerns that I would be isolated without a network as I had back home. I would be fending for myself for the first time – and in a foreign country where I barely spoke the language no less! From the start, I was too excited to think of anything but finally being in Japan for the long term, but my family held a lot of apprehensions about a young woman living alone in a foreign country.

But honestly speaking, if I had to choose one thing, the scariest thing about having moved to Japan is speaking Japanese. There are still times I worry that my language ability is not enough when I am nervous about being able to convey to the other person the things I am thinking. Or that I’m going to misunderstand or be disrespectful.

For a younger me, this was actually really terrifying. I would think to myself: How can I become friends with someone when we don’t speak the same language? Why would they like me when I can’t tell them about myself? When I can’t understand them? When I’m constantly making mistakes?

But as I’ve gotten more comfortable living in Japan, the more I realize that that way of thinking is entirely wrong. As scary as it is, and especially how difficult it is, I think one of the most important things I’ve learned is that making mistakes is the key to getting good.

No one does anything perfectly from the start. No one can automatically play piano without hitting a few wrong notes or ride a bike without falling a few times. Learning a language is no different. Language learning shouldn’t be treated as a one-time test where you are either fluent or you’re not. Learning how to speak a new language and getting comfortable with it will take time. You need to ‘break in’ so to speak.

The easiest way to do this is to simply use it, mistakes and all. Every mistake I have made while learning Japanese makes it easier as well to remember the correction, which in turn gives me the feeling that I’m really improving, even if it’s little by little. And sometimes too, the mistakes I make are the very reason I make friends. Sometimes it’s someone catching an error and generously correcting me, or sometimes it’s a little slip of the tongue that makes us laugh, humor transcending language in a way that needs no translation.

We learn from our mistakes.

When I first moved to Japan, of course, I heard a lot more Japanese than I had in America. I had gotten used to the convenience store routine (‘do you need a bag?’ ‘would you like this warmed up?’ ‘do you have a point card?’), and I could tell which ingredients I needed at the grocery store. But compared to when I first came to Japan, my speaking ability had barely improved at all.

The issue was this: I was not actually speaking Japanese!

AN IMPORTANT WAKE UP CALL

All of my friends spoke English. I didn’t have a tv and didn’t even try to read books in Japanese. There were events at school that I did not join, thinking I didn’t speak enough Japanese to be of any help or have any fun. In other words, I was a foreigner living in Japan, without really living in Japan. In other words, I had found myself in the “foreigner bubble” where I was not using Japanese in my life.

Naturally, it’s easier to express yourself the way you want to express yourself when you are using your mother tongue. And no surprise, it can be easier to “click” with another person when you don’t have to first surpass the hurdle of understanding what the other person is saying.

But I think that being able to speak fluently is completely different from being able to communicate, and your language ability will have nothing to do with it!

Every time you speak you are improving your language skills, polishing things like pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar. Just like riding a bike, practice makes perfect!


CREATING THE RIGHT OPPORTUNITIES

So maybe the next question is, how do I start to speak more Japanese? Of course, maybe it’s a little strange to start striking up a conversation with the cashier at the register. But there are many ways to find people in social settings and the more you open yourself up to meeting new people, the more friends you’ll find you’ve made!

Here are a few suggestions:

● You can join clubs and sports meetups to find people with similar hobbies. Sharing similar interests means you already share that common ground!

● Striking up a conversation with someone in a bar or restaurant is another great way to practice and sometimes these spontaneous conversations are extremely good practice because the topics can be diverse. There’s no pressure or goal, it’s just a few folks having a good time over food and drinks!

● If you’re in Japan for school or work, you might be in a great spot to meet people! There are always student activities, like group circles or hangouts. And you can also take advantage of working with the same people every day to strike up conversations in passing or use Japanese in more formal settings. Who knows, maybe you’ll become friends naturally?

● There are also language exchange apps like Hellotalk and HiNative. I’ve met lots of people through these apps, and the best part is that these are people who share the same desire as me: to get better at speaking their chosen language.

● Sharehouses! No surprise, sharehouses are great for learning languages! They’re a little like the best of all worlds; they bring together people with similar goals: making friends and learning more about other cultures. Borderless House in particular hosts lots of great events that give tenants a chance to kick back and have fun with one another, so you can really take advantage of the Borderless House’s support network and Borderless Mates network. Another great aspect of sharehouses is that you’re forced to really communicate with each other to live together happily and peacefully. You’ll learn more about other people’s values, unique perspectives, backgrounds, and what inspires them. And better yet, because you live together, it’s only natural that you can become closer a little at a time, day by day.

What do you think?

IN CONCLUSION

Truly, it wasn’t until I made a concerted effort to step out of my comfort zone that I felt my language ability starting to improve. And as my language ability began to improve, Japanese also started to become more and more fun and making friends became easier. Even now, I still make plenty of mistakes, but that’s not a bad thing at all. It’s important to remind yourself that everyone starts somewhere, even you, with your native language, and look at you now!

Perhaps you haven’t yet had the chance to visit, but you’d like to experience Japan for yourself! If you’ve found this page, maybe that day is sooner rather than later. Good luck!

Posted on

Language Exchange｜How should I prepare for Language Exchange and practice speaking?

Do you want to practice your speaking skills for free through “Language Exchange” and meet new foreign friends, but don’t know where to start preparing? Or have you tried “Language Exchange” before, but after encountering some difficulties in the process, and you just left it at that?

Then this article on language exchange prep will help you a lot!

What is Language Exchange?

Language Exchange is a reciprocal activity in which you practice the language that you are learning by chatting with a native speaker or someone who is fluent in that language. In addition, to quickly improve your speaking skills, you can also learn cultural knowledge not found in textbooks and make new friends, which is a great way to kill two birds with one stone.

Am I a good candidate for language exchange?

When you want to practice a language through Language Exchange, here are some tips you can check to see if you are a good candidate.

1) What is your purpose? Do you really want to practice the language? Or do you just want to meet foreign friends?

Because Language Exchange is not mandatory, there must be a strong motivation to learn each other’s language in order to be sustainable.

2) How is your language ability?

Usually, I suggest that it is better to have at least a daily conversation level, so that you can correct and improve your speech step by step during the conversation. Otherwise, it is easy to keep speaking only one language with each other.

3) Do you like to interact with people?

In fact, Language Exchange is also a kind of meeting internet friend activity, whether online or face-to-face, the first meeting will inevitably be awkward. So before participating in Language Exchange, you can ask yourself, do you want to meet a new stranger? Will you be curious about your partner?

What to prepare before Language Exchange?

The preparation content will vary depending on the length of time you work with your language partner, and is divided into early and late stages：

Early-stage：

1) Confirm meeting time and language appointment (1 hour of full Chinese conversation, 1 hour of full foreign language conversation). And set an alarm before you start so that you don’t forget to change the language when you’re having too much fun conversation.

2) Usually, the first meeting is just about introducing yourself, why are you learning this language? What are your hobbies? Where have you traveled to? What kind of music do you prefer? Basically, it’s the same as a blind date, in the process of talking to each other to find out what you have in common and whether we have a mutual connection because this part will also affect the subsequent contact.

Late-stage：

When you get to know your partner better, you will gradually start to run out of topics to talk about, so it is very important to prepare some beforehand.

1) Note down any problems of language learning that you have, such as being unsure how to translate a sentence or whether there is a more authentic way to say it. You can also bring your own textbooks or assignments and discuss your questions together.

2) If you have a grammatical problem, try not to ask a native speaker, because they usually don’t know how to explain it, either. Unless the partner major in linguistics, otherwise a lot of time will be wasted trying to explain grammar.

3) Share something interesting that happened recently, or any interesting articles, news, videos, cultural differences or interesting topics to discuss. It is better to have questions with a little depth, such as environmental protection or social issues, so that you can practice expressing your own ideas, and hear the results of your partner’s opinions from different perspectives.

4) Write an exchange diary! Language Exchange is not only to practice speaking, writing is also a very important part of it. You can write a short article about your reading experience or a movie afterthought. Gradually your writing skills will be greatly improved without you even realizing it!

5) Let’s hang out together! Hiking, movies, museums, whatever you and your friends like to do, invite your language partner to go with you as well! Since you’re going out together, you don’t have to be too strict about which language you speak for how long, so just switch between them! Be flexible!

6) Register for the language test and get certified! You can practice for the content of the exam, with specific topics and sentence patterns. When you are under pressure, you will be more prepared for each Language Exchange!

What should I pay attention to during Language Exchange?

1) When introducing to each other, observe the language level of your partner and adjust your speaking speed according to the language level, pronouncing your words as clearly and standardly as possible.

2) When practicing the language, instead of expressing yourself in your native language, ask more questions so that your partner can answer his/her thoughts more often. For example: Why? What do you think? What would you do?…etc. Try to use these questions often.

3) Use the cloud notepad to record words or sentences during the meeting, so that you can easily re-read them afterward.

Where can I find a Language Exchange partner?

Nowadays there are many ways to find language exchange partners, through mobile apps, websites, or by staying in a multicultural share house.

APP& Website recommendation：

1) Hello Talk: You can send texts, voice messages, voice calling, and video calling, and you can also help each other fix sentences, translate, and other auxiliary functions. You can also upload pictures and short articles. The overall function is very similar to Instagram.

2) Tandem: It is very similar to the function of HelloTalk, except that this app will actively send the notification about the info of other members to increase the chance of matching.

3) HiNative: It is a Q&A platform where you can ask questions about grammar, wording differences, or articles, and there are usually enthusiastic answers from native speakers.

4) BORDERLESS HOUSE: It is a multicultural share house with locals and they also organize a variety of events and provide free Language Exchange opportunities from time to time.

BORDERLESS HOUSE is an international, multicultural share house with locals. There are 17 houses in Taipei City and overseas branches in Tokyo, Osaka(Japan), and Seoul(South Korea).

Posted on

Are Share Houses A Good Option For People Who Are Starting A Life Away From Parents?

Now, today’s youth, which is the youth of the 21st century, very well understands the importance of freedom and independence. Our youth knows how significant it is to stand on its legs without the support of others, even if that support is extended by your loved ones like your parents and relatives. Adolescents know the necessity of becoming self-sufficient, and therefore, in the present era as soon as they reach the legal age, they start striving for financial and other types of independence. One significant step that they undertake to become independent and self-sufficient is that of living away from their parents.


Now, living away from parents is a hard decision. When you live away from your home you learn important lessons. Living in a place where you don’t have the support of your parents or loved ones teaches you important lessons about life, and it prepares you for an unforeseeable future. Also, sometimes in cases, like when you find a job in a different city or when you have to go abroad for completing your studies, staying away from the home becomes a necessity. However, whatever be the cause, it cannot be denied that staying away from the home is difficult. It is majorly because when you leave home you are forced to take care of your security and your eating habits. There is nobody to look after you.


Hence, for those of you who are about to stay away from their home, we have searched a solution, the share house. Now, living in a share house after you move away from your parents’ home may not seem very promising, but this option can certainly make the transition easier for adolescents. Now, if you are wondering how that works, then read our next section to find your answers!


Why is a share house a good accommodation option for living away from parents?

Living in a share house is an altogether different experience. There are so many things that you can learn when you live here, away from the protective shadow of your loved ones. Now, renting this place as a living space when you start living away from your parents is the best decision that you can make because of the following reasons.

● Share houses are secure spaces

When you are looking for shelter options, share houses should be your top-choice because these places are secure. It is so because of two reasons. First, the share houses in most places come equipped with alarm systems. So, because of this, the chances of anyone breaking into a share house reduce significantly.
Secondly, when living in a share house you share the home with many housemates. This acts as an added layer of security as there is an advantage to living in a group when compared to living alone. So, after moving out of the home if you realize that you are not so confident about your safety, then look for a share house as that is your safest option.

● Share houses are furnished spaces

When you newly move out of your home, you are trying to become independent and self-sufficient, but you usually do not have enough finances to support yourself. Also, at this stage, you are not used to living without any facilities, equipment, and furniture. Hence, at such times, the share house is a very good accommodation option as it comes equipped and well-furnished. Thus, living here saves you from a lot of trouble while also helping you in saving money. Thus, if you are staying away from your family and looking for a shelter, and you do not own much money, try renting a share house.

● They have broadband lines and internet connections

This pointer is specially meant for those people who have moved abroad in search of a job or for completion of their studies. Now, when you move to a new place the broadband lines and the internet connection is a must-have as it helps you in staying connected with your friends and family back home. This connection, in a broad sense, helps you in staying connected with the world, and it protects you from feeling alienated in a new country.
However, when you move to a new country, getting an internet connection, or setting up new broadband lines can be tough, and it can take time. In such circumstances, it is generally considered a wise move to rent a share house as these places have already up and running broadband lines and internet connection. Hence, living in a share house especially when you are a foreigner can help you in reducing your expenses, waiting time, and extra efforts.

● Share houses will enhance your eating habits

When you are living with your parents, you have your siblings, your mother, or someone else in your family fussing over your eating habits. In the home, someone is always cooking your favorite meal and asking you multiple times if you have had your meal or not. But when you move out to live independently, there is no one to check on you because of which many people fall into the habit of skipping meals. In this context too, living in a share house is beneficial because there you live in the company of housemates who might have good culinary skills. A lot of times, these people also teach you how to cook different cuisines. Also, when you are with other people, cooking and eating a healthy diet doesn’t seem like much effort.


Thus, because of these reasons, it can be ascertained that living in a share house is the best option after you have moved out of your parents’ place. Living in a share house teaches you to be independent while not making you suffer much. Hence, BORDERLESS HOUSE should be your first agenda when you are looking for a new shelter to move in.

 

>>Check the Share Houses in Taipei<<

>>6 Things About Living in Taiwan<<

Posted on

【Language Learning】A Note on Language Fluency

Hi all, it’s Claire from Borderless House. I’d like to use this blog to discuss some thoughts I had recently about the process of learning and using a language and also how we define language fluency. I’ve had a lot of time to think about language learning during my time as an illiterate foreigner in Japan, and how this has impacted my own experiences living here and making local friends. I’ve previously spoken a bit more in-depth about how I became interested in Japan/Japanese and my language background in a prior blog, so please feel free to check that out as well!

What is your language-learning goal?

OK, let’s get started with one of the most important language-learning points: Be sure to define your end goal and purpose.

In order to best know how to study a foreign language (and when to stop… although does it really ever stop???), I think it is important to understand what your end goal is. Needless to say, academic/formal language and colloquial language are not the same and they are learned in two very different contexts. Recently, I had a conversation with my Japanese friend which reminded me that in order to have deep relationships, engagements, and conversations in Japan, you do not necessarily need to be an N1 or N2 level Japanese master. In fact, a lot of my Japanese friends have admitted that they themselves would have difficulty passing these standardized tests. Just the same, I would likely make a fool of myself if I took the TOEFL.

Colloquial Usage

A few nights ago over dinner, my Japanese friend randomly complimented my Japanese saying, “Claire, your Japanese has gotten really good! クレア、日本語めっちゃ上手になったね！” For a lot of foreigners, with even just minimal Japanese language background, this kind of phrase or statement is all too familiar. The response is also just as scripted: “No, no it’s not that good! I still have a long way to go/I still need to study a lot! いいえいいえ、まだまだです！もっと勉強しないといけないんです。”

During this specific exchange, I suddenly felt the need to further justify my lack of Japanese language confidence. Truthfully, I already am embarrassed enough by my illiteracy, which should have provided enough justification alone. I explained that although my pronunciation may be decent, the grammar structures and words that I use to communicate are very elementary and simple, as I only have one year of basic in-class Japanese instruction from which I can pull from. My friend was not not convinced by my self-doubt: “And….? で、、、？”

The point which he wanted to make was that regardless of how I feel about my own language ability, in his own opinion, I am able to properly and articulately express myself.

Truly, if you think about your own native language, the words and grammar structures you use with your friends on a daily basis are not really that complicated or sophisticated! It would be strange if we always spoke formally and academically to each other… For my fellow American friends, it would be weird if someone tried to use as many SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test; American standardized college-entrance exam) words as possible in each sentence, right? The same logic applies to any other language. The goal of daily communication with friends is to convey ideas, stories, and feelings in your own words; it doesn’t need to sound like a well-formulated speech or essay. Of course, there are other more formal situations in which word choice and difficulty are of great importance however, when in a relaxed setting with friends, the poise and complexity of words and grammar is arguably not as important.

With my own goal to be able to communicate easily with friends, I realized that rather than getting frustrated that I cannot (yet) pass an upper-level language exam, I should be satisfied with the fact that I know enough common phrases and expressions to successfully share ideas, stories, and emotions with others. Clearly, the more I engage in conversation with others, the more I will be able to naturally pick up on new words and concepts. Consequently, I will then have a larger variety of ways in which I can express myself and will be able to let my personality shine through a bit more. A fear of sounding “childish” or “unrefined” should never hold me back from speaking- if you can use the language skills you have to successfully communicate your point, then you’re doing just fine.

Looking back to when I first came to Japan at 15, I couldn’t speak any Japanese and the most frustrating thing was feeling as if I couldn’t accurately portray my personality through language and word choice. Certainly, at that time my language ability held me back from being able to do so properly. As I have continued to learn Japanese and spend time here, my Japanese friends have slowly gotten to know my personality, and despite still generally relying on simple grammar and simple words, I feel that I am able to adequately express myself. I’m no longer frustrated. To me, that is what is most important!

Academic Usage

On the other hand, there is an important side to languages that is more formal and academic in nature which requires knowledge of more refined and varied grammar and vocabulary. This kind of language learning is a different way of communicating than with friends and emphasizes the way in which things are being communicated rather than just the general content of what is being said. I have always been jealous of my friends who are able to carefully pick out the deeper historical meaning of a word by dissecting the kanji characters and linguistic roots. I envy the way in which they have so many different ways of expressing themselves. I would, however, like to point out that this jealousy still has not motivated me to pick up a book and actually do some studying of my own (lol).

This kind of academic language is especially useful when making a speech, writing an article, conducting an academic discussion, etc. Or also when writing a blog, I suppose! It is quite handy to have your brain work like a thesaurus, armed with many different words that can convey a similar meaning, but with different undertones and nuances. As opposed to colloquial language, which is carried out naturally and without pause, academic language takes a bit more time, though, and brainpower. There are a lot more memorization and a lot more studying that is required to reach this kind of fluency and language usage.

Even for an illiterate colloquial Japanese speaker like myself, I have had to delve into the world of complex Japanese linguistics while doing my work as a hospital research assistant. Working on psychology and psychiatry studies, I have been asked by supervisors to translate questionnaires from English to Japanese, forcing me to think deeply about the specific contextual meaning that each word carries. In order to translate these questionnaires accurately, I had to meet with my professors and use my rudimentary Japanese to describe the emotions and feelings which differentiate the word “force” from “coerce” so that we could also decide upon the proper Japanese word. Given that the questionnaires are surrounding psychiatric populations, a single word or grammatical difference in a question or statement can change a patient’s response entirely.

Usually, this kind of linguistic ability is what is reflected in the JLPT tests. You will have an opportunity to show off your hard work on learning kanji, vocabulary, and gradually more complex grammar structures. It goes without saying that academic language is widely useful and as well as an incredible feat to master!

Reflecting on Fluency

When you look up the definition of the word fluency, this is the definition that pops up: “able to express oneself easily and articulately.” When someone directly asks me “Are you fluent in Japanese?”, my immediate response has always been no. I cannot understand complex vocabulary, I struggle to perfectly deliver sentences in Keigo, and I most importantly simply lack confidence in my own ability. Going by the “easy and articulate” definition of fluency, I would say that indeed I am not fluent when working in my research environment. I also am far from fluent in written Japanese… FAR from it.

However, when I give myself a little more grace, I do believe that I am able to express myself properly enough when having everyday conversations with my friends. My conversations are easy and I am able to articulate myself well enough that I do not feel the same frustration I did when I first landed in Japan at 15 years old. Maybe there is no need for me to vehemently refute the compliments I receive from my Japanese friends. Even if I am not quite yet comfortable with considering myself “fluent,” I think that we need to erase the image that language fluency requires you to become a living dictionary or thesaurus.

If I could go back in time to that dinner a few nights ago, I think I would change my response.

“Thank you, I’m really happy to hear that! I’ll continue to work hard! ありがとう。それを聞いて、すごく嬉しいんだ。これからもっともっと頑張ります！”

▶Check BORDERLESS HOUSE language exchange program 
▶Learn Japanese by living with Japanese local at BORDERLESS HOUSE
▶Tips and Advice from the Experts : Learning Languages from Home Q&A

Posted on

“Build bridges, not walls!” ~ We have expanded our online language exchange activities!

BORDERLESS HOUSE previously launched a tenant-only
online communication exchange service: “~ Build bridges, not walls! ~ Language Exchange”

The original intention of this service was to connect foreign tenants, who had their plans to come to Japan canceled due to COVID-19, connect with Japanese tenants who were looking forward to having new foreign housemates and roommates. By conducting exchanges online, interactions would not be restricted by time or space, and international communication could continue!

We have now successfully matched 20 groups of language exchange partners!
The participating domestic and foreign tenants have already shown us the many benefits of this program, such as providing a space to learn about different countries and cultures, and making lasting friendships, especially as now is a very difficult time to make new friends. Some partners have already agreed to meet in Japan at a later time when things have returned to normal!
BORDERLESS HOUSE still feels that we can do more.

Therefore, BORDERLESS HOUSE has decided to allow more people to participate and experience this well-regarded service.
Therefore, we will open our service to non-tenants at this limited time from May 11th to May 30th allowing them to register and participate alongside tenants.

Basic rules for pairing
A foreigner will be matched with a Japanese partner.
BORDERLESS HOUSE tenants will be matched with non-BORDERLESS HOUSE tenants.

-Pairing process-

STEP1
Log in and register!
Please apply using the form linked below.
<Fill in the application form now! >

STEP2
BORDERLESS HOUSE will match you according to the information on your registration form.
We will then establish a Skype group, arranging the time and exchange outline for your first meeting!

STEP3
The exchange begins!
First, introduce yourself. According to your customized theme, enjoy the fun of language exchange! (The first round is 40 minutes)

STEP4
After the end of your exchange, fill out the post-meeting questionnaire. Lastly, agree on a time for your next language exchange!

-Event Features-

Point 1
The procedure is simple. All you need to do is just fill in the application form.
The staff at BORDERLESS HOUSE will match your language exchange partner.

Point 2
You can make new friends from different countries and integrate wit an international community. You can also improve your language skills while having fun connecting over common topics.

Point 3
That’s right, this is a free service!

We hope that during this period of time when an international exchange is strictly restricted, a bridge between countries will be established!
We sincerely look forward to more people joining and participating.