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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!

 

 

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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.

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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!

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Discover Life at Machiya1 House: Insights from a Third-Year Resident’s Perspective on Shared Living, Community, and Anime Culture

Have you ever thought about what it’s like to live in a shared house? Some might feel it’s challenging to live under the same roof with people they’ve just met.

Today, we had a chat with Shoya, a resident of Machiya 1 House, managed by Borderless House. After two years of living there, Shoya now shares his room and has experienced the unique aspects of shared housing. What special insights and charms can someone like Shoya, who has lived alongside numerous housemates, share about this lifestyle? We’ll dive into his memorable experiences, tips for harmonious shared living, and words of encouragement for those considering this option.

Worries like “Will I lose my privacy in a shared house?” or
“What if there are conflicts among housemates?” is common.
If you have these concerns, please read on!

Fortuitous Find: My Serendipitous Choice of Machiya 1 House and the Joy It Brings


───Self-introduction!

I’m Shoya. Born in Japan, I moved to Argentina when I was very young and lived there for 20 years. Currently, I’m living in Machiya 1 House and working as a creator in the gaming industry.

───When did you return to Japan from Argentina?

I returned in September 2019. My childhood dream was to work in the gaming industry, so I wanted to study at a specialized school in Japan to hone my creative skills.

After coming back, I worked in a factory to save up for a PC. Initially, I self-taught game creation through YouTube videos. Coincidentally, I met an old acquaintance at my workplace who, learning about my ambition in gaming, recommended a school where I could learn game effects. I enrolled, graduated, and after a few job transitions, I now work in my current role.

I moved into Machiya 1 House in August 2021. Previously, I was living in Kanagawa Prefecture and decided to move to Borderless House when my lease was up.

───Did you initially consider living in a shared house?

No, I hadn’t thought about it at all at first. But when I needed to find a new place quickly, Borderless House stood out because of its affordable rent, great location, and the simple, smooth process for moving in. That’s what led me to choose it.

───Why did you pick Machiya 1 House specifically?

I actually had my eye on a different house initially, but there were no vacancies at that time. The staff recommended Machiya 1 House, so I went with it. In retrospect, I’m really happy with my choice. The housemates are wonderful, and its proximity to the train station makes commuting a breeze. It’s also a nice bonus that many of us here, myself included, are into anime and manga, which makes for great conversation. And the easy access to Akihabara is definitely a plus (laughs).

More Than Friends: The Unique Role of ‘Housemates

───Who’s currently living in Machiya 1 House?

At the moment, there are six of us – two Japanese residents, including myself, and four from abroad. I started off in a single room but have since moved into a double. My American roommate is studying at a Japanese language school and works part-time as an English teacher.

───Did you have any hesitations about moving into a shared room?

I wasn’t really hesitant, but as someone who stays up late, I was concerned about possibly disturbing my roommate with noise at night. Once we started sharing the room, we made a point of checking in with each other, like asking, “Did you sleep okay?” or “Was I too loud?” This has helped us live together without any issues.

───Were you nervous about living with people from different countries?

No, the fact that they were from different countries wasn’t a source of worry for me. I think relationships are more about individual personalities than differences in nationality or culture. Even among people from the same country, you find a variety of personalities.

───It sounds like creating cross-cultural relationships is a key part of Borderless House. What do housemates represent for you?

They’re more than just ‘friends’ – they’re unique connections I’ve found through living in Borderless House. Living together doesn’t automatically mean becoming close with everyone. Some housemates become friends whom I keep in contact with and go out with even after moving out, but not everyone. That’s just how human relationships work, I think.

Being a part of Borderless House has made me appreciate these ‘once-in-a-lifetime bonds’ that you can only experience in the moment.

Key to Harmony: Regular Check-ins and Stress-Free Communication


───What do you do to ensure a smooth living experience in the house?

I always make it a point to regularly check in with not just my roommate, but all my housemates. If I bump into someone in the living area, I’ll ask things like, “Is there anything you’re unhappy with?” or “Feel free to mention any concerns you have.” It’s simple, but this approach often leads to honest conversations about things like areas needing more cleaning, which I then share with everyone.

As the longest-standing resident now, I’ve learned to be more accommodating and instinctively think about how to make everyone’s life more comfortable. Neglecting even small chores can affect the whole house’s mood. I’m not a natural leader, but I believe it’s important to address little issues before they turn into big problems.

───How do you interact with new housemates?

I try to chat more during their first few days to help them settle in. But soon after, I let them know, “I actually spend quite a bit of time in my room, so don’t be concerned if you don’t see me much” (laughs).

I share about my lifestyle early on to ensure I’m comfortable too. It’s important for all of us to communicate and maintain a lifestyle that’s manageable and not overwhelming.

In Japan, people often use formal politeness, but I find being direct works better with international housemates. It leads to more straightforward and effective communication.

Anime Fans Rejoice: Machiya 1 House Might Be Your Perfect Match!

───What type of person would enjoy living in Machiya 1 House?

We have a lot of people here who are into subcultures like anime and manga. Having shared interests really livens up conversations, and it can make learning languages more enjoyable too. That’s why I particularly recommend our house to fans of anime. I love practicing voice impressions of anime characters, so if you’re into that, we’ll definitely have a great time!

Many of us also value our personal space. Just because it’s a shared house doesn’t mean you need to share every aspect of your life. I appreciate this balance of social interaction and privacy. So, it’s a great fit for those who want a bit of both – community and personal time.

───Thanks for that. Could you share one of your favorite local food spots in Machiya?

There are plenty of affordable chain restaurants around Machiya, and I usually end up at fast food or family-style places (laughs). But I’ll recommend a Chinese restaurant known for its large servings, a gem introduced to me by a former housemate.

Details about Shoya’s Recommended Restaurant ‘Kouei-ken’＞＞

The restaurant offers not just a memorable dining experience but also leaves you satisfyingly full. If you’re ever in Machiya, it’s definitely worth checking out.

2024 BORDERLESS HOUSE EARLY BIRD Campaign!

This opportunity invites you to join an energetic community, immerse yourself in various cultures, and forge enduring friendships. Reserve your place ahead of time to access special perks and deals🌍✨
Click Below for Details of 2024 Early Bird Campaign – Secure Your Cozy Home in Japan at BORDERLESS HOUSE NOW!

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Tenant’s Interview ▏Encounters at an International Share House Taught Me About Diverse Career Opportunities

One of the most attractive features of an international exchange share house is the variety of people you can meet!

Many of our residents tell us that their sense of values has changed while living with people from all over the world and from diverse backgrounds. For this interview, we spoke with Shintaro, a third-year university student from Osaka, who actually had such an experience!

Shintaro said that he had few opportunities to interact with others due to Covid-19 and that he felt uneasy, wondering if his perspective was a little narrow. It seems that the encounters with foreign residents and working adults that awaited him at BORDERLESS HOUSE greatly broadened his perspective, especially with regard to his career. He also talked about the warm daily interactions with the residents that only share house living can offer!

“What kind of encounters and how did they change Shintaro’s career plans? ”
If you’re one of our readers who’s been wondering, “Even if it’s an international exchange share house, can I really meet all kinds of people?”. Why don’t we check this interview with our current tenant and get to know what “the BORDERLESS HOUSE life”, filled with global and diverse encounters and exchanges, can look like?

I chose BORDERLESS HOUSE to learn about the unique values and culture of foreign countries!

－First of all, please introduce yourself! How long have you been living in BORDERLESS HOUSE?

My name is Shintaro Matsuura. I am a 3rd-year student at a university in Osaka. I started living in a share house this spring, and it’s been about a year now.

－What made you decide to live in a share house?

I decided to live in a share house because I wanted to interact with people from different backgrounds. In particular, there are many people from overseas living in BORDERLESS HOUSE, and I felt that I could learn about different ways of thinking and cultures from those in Japan, so I decided to stay here!

I realized my career potential through encounters with working tenants!

－Did you have any goals before moving into the share house?

When I moved in, I wanted to broaden my horizons! This is because, due to COVID-19, I didn’t have many opportunities to get involved with other people during my college life. In particular, I had very few encounters with other adults, and I was worried that my perspective might be a bit narrow. But living in a share house and talking to all kinds of people has changed that a lot.

Take job hunting for example. Before living in the share house, my mind was dominated by the idea of “working for a company when I get out in the world” (laughs). But there were also people living in this share house who were freelance workers and other working people who had also changed jobs, and talking with these people made me realize that there are many different ways of working, which really broadened my horizons.

Housemates who were reliable like family and gave me more diverse advice than family.

－What is the best thing about living in BORDERLESS HOUSE?

There are so many things, but the best part is that I can immediately ask for help when I have a problem! Of course, I have my family at home, but in a share house, there are people from different backgrounds and with different ways of thinking, and they give me advice from a different perspective than mine, which I really appreciate.

－What is your favorite memory?

What I find attractive about share houses is that when I come home, my housemates welcome me with a “welcome home” greeting. For example, when things don’t go well at my part-time job, or when I’m feeling down, talking with my housemates naturally calms me down and makes me feel like I can start working hard again tomorrow! I feel that BORDERLESS HOUSE is a very comfortable place for me.

Thanks to my experience at Borderless House, I was able to be more proactive in my job search!

－Do you have any dreams for the future or anything you want to do?

I actually don’t have a set goal for the future right now (laughs), so I’m thinking I’ll do my best to find one from now on! This is also something I thought about after living in a share house, but by actually listening to the stories of various working people, I’ve become fascinated with jobs that I had no interest in before. I am currently in my third year of college, and I am also doing an internship, but I think that I would like to talk to people working at various jobs when I’m actually job hunting!

－What would you like to say to those who are interested in living in a share house?

If you’re not sure whether or not to move into a share house, I’d personally encourage you to do so! I personally feel that there are many things that I’ve learned through my experience living in a share house. At first, I had never even lived alone, so I was very anxious, but after actually moving to a BORDERLESS HOUSE, I feel that I have changed a lot.

Of course, speaking with people from overseas has helped me improve my English, but more than anything, I feel that it has broadened my horizons. I also feel that my communication skills have really improved through my interactions with various people. If you’re reading this article, I highly recommend shared living, and I hope you’ll consider it!

Living in a share house is a chance to make a big change in yourself!

I’m sure you’ll find that this is a share house with a wide range of residents of all nationalities and ages! Building new relationships that are different from family and friends may be one of the keys to meeting a new you.

The international exchange share house “BORDERLESS HOUSE” is currently accepting residents from both university students and working adults! We have many share houses in the Tokyo and Kansai areas.

From each share house page, you can read testimonials from current and past residents! Please check out the following pages♪

▶Tokyo Share House List
▶Kansai Share House List
▶Testimonials from Former Residents

You can do it right now in Japan. Would you like to experience studying abroad with a super multicultural group of friends from over 50 countries?

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Tenant’s Interview ▏ I have a new family and more supporters in my life!

We had an interview with one of our tenants at Borderless House, Nonoka-san, who has been living at our Nishijin House in Kyoto for almost one year. Nonoka-san is a second-year university student studying sociology. She usually volunteers as a sightseeing guide in Kyoto.

From the interview, we hope to show you what life is like at an international share house for our tenants, and hope you get a feel for the environment and community of Borderless House!

My fondest memories are of ordinary, everyday life


－Why did you choose to live in a share house?

When I started living alone in Kyoto for college, I thought it would be nice to live in a share house. I thought about the international dormitory at my university, but I decided to stay at BORDERLESS HOUSE because I could have relationships not only with classmates from my university, but also with students from other universities, workers, and a wide range of people.

－What is the best thing about living in BORDERLESS HOUSE?

There are too many to mention, but birthday parties and trips were a lot of fun, but I think it’s daily life.

I think the most important thing for me is that I have a new kind of family. In this family, regardless of age or gender, we are able to share our specialties, complement each other, and have a good time together.

Since I am a university student now, I worry a lot about my future and career path, but there are people here, such as who have work experience and others who have lived and worked overseas for a long time, so I can consult with people from all walks of life.

“Cleaning” was the hardest part of living in a share house, but now ..

－What was the hardest part of living in a share house?

I think it’s “Cleaning”. When I first came here, there were no cleaning rules or systems, so I decided I had to create one. I made some cleaning rules with my housemates who were living with me at that time, but it was difficult to coordinate the different levels of cleaning, how far one should go, what is not clean enough, etc., because everyone has a different way of thinking,

It was very difficult to get everyone to make it a habit, but now everyone has a sense of attachment to the house by cleaning it together, and I think that’s great because the house is basically kept in a clean state.

I think I would have friends in any country I go to now!

－Did you have any goals before you moved in? Did you achieve it?

It was very simple: I want to improve my English and to make many friends from all over the world.

Yes, I did! I had experience studying abroad in high school, but I think my English has improved even more since moving here. I think my English has improved to the point where I can talk about all kinds of things, not just academic topics, not to mention other trivial things. I also made more foreign friends, and I think I have more than 200 international friends now so I think I would have friends in any country I go to now.

There is no other community where such a wide variety of people gather!

－Message to those who want to live in a BORDERLESS HOUSE

I think there are so many different kinds of people at BORDERLESS HOUSE that there is no other community where such a wide variety of people gather. It is also a great opportunity to experience new values, so I highly recommend it!

Also, living with other people and jumping into a new environment can be a very difficult hurdle, and it takes a lot of courage, but once you get in, it’s not like your world will change 180 degrees, but it certainly will, so if you’re not sure, you can arrange a room viewing first with Borderless House and come to talk with the tenants at the share house. (to get a feel for the atmosphere!)

Meeting housemates from diverse backgrounds and living with them has gradually changed Nono’s world! Thank you very much for sharing your story with us!

▶ Check more： Tenant’s Interview ▏Living in a Share House while Experiencing Working Holiday in Kyoto

▶Check more： 【Tenant’s Story】Sharing times together as a big “family” is the best cure for loneliness during quarantine

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Tenant’s Interview ▏Living in a Share House while Experiencing Working Holiday in Kyoto

From this interview with one of our tenants at Borderless House, we would like to show you a little about what made them choose Borderless House and what life living at a multi-cultural sharehouse has been like for them!

It is a great way to get a feel for the environment at our sharehouses! 

Interview with Tarek from Canada, who came to Kyoto on a Working Holiday visa, and spent 6 months at Borderless House Kuramaguchi

  •  – How did you find BORDERLESS HOUSE? Also, why did you choose to stay at Borderless House?

I found Borderless House through Reddit. There was a “Moving to japan” subreddit and it gives a lot of information about Japan, and there was a list of “Foreigner friendly housing options” for people that are looking for a short-term stay in japan.

And I chose Borderless House because I saw all the profiles of different people and different nationalities and what they’re doing in japan. It seemed like a very welcoming place with a lot of live interaction with both Japanese and foreigners, where I could get an immediate sense of community in Japan. Since I wouldn’t have had one otherwise if I moved in by myself into my own apartment. And having to form my own social circle talking to strangers.

  • – Did you have any concerns or worries before coming? How did you solve them?

Initially, getting the visa. Since when I was applying, it was during the end of the pandemic. So, I had a concern about having a company sponsor me to come here. And then the second biggest was definitely the accommodation. Knowing how difficult it is to get accommodation as a foreigner in a country where you’re not really established.

Borderless House did really help a lot because I was the most worried about just being alone in a country where you don’t understand anything with the language barriers. Such as the Borderless House staff would gather events to meet new people. My housemates have been very helpful as well. They would make a phone call for you, and go to the ward office with you. So those difficulties were solved due to my own research as well as the support of my housemates and the staff here.

  • – When you applied for the share house and the other process, did you think everything went smoothly?

It was surprisingly fast. I mean I just put in the form and then 10 minutes later. The staff from Borderless House contacted me on skype and he was: do you have time for a call right now we talked and my accommodation was settled. The process went smoothly.

During the Skype call, everything was very easy to understand. Everything was given to you straight up as you were talking about it. Nothing was really unclear about the process and it was kind of easy that you could just pay with your credit card, you don’t have to worry about being in the country to actually get the accommodation, which is kind of a big barrier.

For a lot of people where you need a Japanese address or to be in the country to actually rent something. And it was much easier online. You got everything in like 30 minutes and then you just signed up if you feel comfortable with the property.

Living with 13 people – It might seem daunting at first, but there’s lots of room for new experiences.

  • – How did you like your stay at BORDERLESS HOUSE KYOTO-KURAMAGUCHI?

At first, I was kind of worried to be living with 13 other people. I’m kind of a solitary person for the most part, but I grew to like it pretty quickly.

I noticed that every night, there was something going on there. It was either just someone to drink with or a small party or an event. It might seem daunting at first, but there’s lots of room for new experiences. And you really want to put yourself in the position as if you were in your normal day-to-day life.

Because if I live alone after I go home, I would just watch TV, play video games, go to sleep, and then it’ll be the next day, whereas you don’t like that option of comfort, which is a bit of a downside, but it also forces you out of your comfort zone and gets you to do more things.

  • – What do you like the most about living in a share house/ living with others?

It’s definitely the parties. Such as welcome parties, bye-bye parties. It is just the sense of community at the end of the night.

They’re always different conversations going on. You’re talking to different people, meeting new people. There’s no single one that stands out but just the memory of the “Sense of community”, when we would all come together and just be like one, big international family.

The share house life is much better than I expected

  • – Do you have your own private time even living in a share house?

Yeah, sure, in my private time, what I usually like to do is go to the river close to the share house. So I’ll just put on my headphones, take a walk and then grab a coffee at a nice cafe nearby in the neighborhood.

I enjoy walking over to the river, using my camera, or just sitting there for a couple of hours, just watching the river.

  • – Have you ever lived in this kind of environment before? Is everything the same as you imagined?

No, the only other people I would ever live with were my parents. This is my first time living with this amount of people and like, strangers,

It was much closer than I imagined because I pictured myself to be a bit more standoffish. But it was nicer because you always hear horror stories about living with others, but I feel like I got very lucky with my housemates. They are very considerate and always very kind to each other. So it’s much better than I expected.

Learn Japanese! – it’s like having seven free Japanese tutors around in the house

  • – How good is your Japanese? How do you communicate with your housemates?

Not very good. (Laugh) Most of my housemates speak a basic level of English. And the worst-case scenario is just emoting in sign language, you mix English and Japanese. It’s all about really trying and just trying to get the message across. It’s a lot of sign language and guesswork, but you get the message across to people.

  • – How did living with Japanese people help you learn Japanese?

I did two weeks at a language school, but I did not like actually doing the process of like going every week, just because I felt like that was a bit too much commitment. But the immersion and like seeing how the words are used in more of a colloquial context, like a day-to-day context.

I wouldn’t be able to speak Japanese in a very proper way, but I learn a lot, like the day-to-day conversation, slang, and useful phrases. There are daily expressions for you to do and do every day. So just by talking you pick up on them and what they’re saying in the context and then you internalize it that way. And then if you’re seeing it wrong, you get corrected right away.

So it’s like having seven free Japanese tutors just moving around.

  • – We know that you also make a lot of friends from different share houses of BORDERLESS HOUSE!

Yeah, Borderless House is a bit interconnected, for example, every once in a while, some tenants would come down from Tokyo Borderless House. Also, there are events like the sports days or Momiji.

You have your own community, but you also have a little bit of an extended community.
Events pop up to have the opportunity to meet other people, from outside your house. And interact with them as like, you have your new family here and then you have your extended family inverse of Japan.

Could you give some advice for those who are planning to move to Japan from overseas?

Learn Japanese first! And, just keep your mind open and don’t shut things off because you think that they’re not going to be for you or that scary. Just take the chance, because not making a decision is in itself a decision.

So, go for it to your best and just keep trying.

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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!

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Event | Making Tang Yuan on Winter Solstice

Cold and freezing winter is coming!

Isn’t it a perfect season to eat Tang Yuan?

Today we are going to review our winter event, Making Tang Yuan with BORDERLESS HOUSE. Not only learning Taiwanese traditional culture, but also enjoying the vibe of winter.

What is Winter Solstice?

Winter solstice: There are 24 solar terms in a year and winter solstice is one of the most important among all. It is also called, Rì Duǎn, which means a short day. The sun travels around the southern regression line on this day, so the days are shortest and the nights are longest in the northern hemisphere. After this day, it also means that real winter is coming in the northern hemisphere.

What do we eat on Winter Solstice?

Tang Yuan that we eat is also called “Dōng Jié Yuán” or ” Yuan Zī ” in the traditional way. The family will gather together and rub the glutinous rice dough into different sizes of balls on the eve of winter solstice.

Normally these Tang Yuan are available in sweet, salty, large, and small sizes. Nowadays, there are various kinds of Tang Yuan with a variety of fillings on the market. But in our tradition, it is usually red or white in color, filled with peanuts or sesame.

In Taiwan, we have all known to have Tang Yuan on winter solstice since we were young. “After eating Tang Yuan, you grow one year older!” After leaving home, eating Tang Yuan on the winter solstice seems to be a must. To have a bowl of sweet Tang Yuan with friends, roommates, or colleagues, give a warm feeling and brings a touch of warmth to the cold winter.

Actually, it is not difficult to make Tang Yuan! Just need to prepare glutinous rice flour and water, mix them into a dough, rub them into small round balls. If you want to have different colors, then just prepare some pumpkin powder, matcha powder, coffee powder, or tomato powder. Not only create the ideal shape but also eat healthier.

(The two cute Tang Yuan were based on our staff and made by one of our tenants.)

Our tenants were all creative and produce their own one-of-a-kind Tang Yuan. Then ate them all! Winter solstice is according to the lunar calendar, it is also closed to Christmas. So we could see some works related to Christmas. It was quite interesting!

Winter is really right for this kind of warm feeling! If you have any activities or ideas that you would like to participate in, please feel free to share them with us! Let BORDERLESS HOUSE provide more and more great events in the future!

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＜Program Review＞ An island where you can meet living dinosaurs !? Virtual Local Trip in Indonesia!

Hello! I am Daijiro!

I usually work as a photographer in Tokyo, but sometimes I participate in Borderless House events as a language exchange facilitator. This is my first time participating in “Virtual Local Trip”, so I will tell you about it!

“Virtual Local Trip” is an online event where the host introduces his/her hometown with various topics. This event is held in English and Japanese, and it is a great way to enjoy unique local stories! I will recommend this event not only to those who are interested in foreign cultures and international exchanges, but also to those who like traveling and eating, and those who are thinking of traveling after the Corona pandemic is over!

This time, a former resident of Borderless House from Indonesia told us many stories about cultures such as local tourist spots, popular dishes, and traditional costumes. If I tell you all of them, it will be more than 10,000 characters (lol), so I will introduce some impressive episodes!

Living dinosaurs!? Komodo island where you can meet Komodo dragons

Participants are from various countries, mainly current residents of Borderless House, and even the host’s friends who live in Indonesia participated at the last minute! It was a gathering of multicultural people.

A relaxed atmosphere from beginning to end with surprises and laughter during the event.
The host told us the charms of the local areas with an introduction video of Indonesia and lots of photos. We could ask questions anytime during the event, so you can feel free to ask any questions you may have. By the way, I asked a lot of questions. (Lol)

When it came to the topic of Komodo Island, everyone was asking a lot about “Komodo Dragon”. It’s really famous! They say that if you go there, you’ll almost certainly see them up close! First-hand information you can get from the natives is very interesting!

Indonesian traditional costume “Batik” 

At the event, they introduced us to Indonesian tourist destinations, history, traditional food, etc., but what impressed me the most was their traditional costumes.
A specialty of Indonesia is a fabric with a beautiful pattern called “batik”. “Batik” is used in many clothing items such as shirts and dresses, and those clothes are also popular as formal wear.

Patterns range from geometric to flower motifs. On the day of the event, the presenters actually wore shirts made of “batik”. They showed us the batik clothes and told us what kind of pattern it is, which was very interesting!
This is also the information the host gave me, but it seems that there are traditional patterns and colors of “Batik” and those for young people! In that respect, it’s similar to Japanese “furisode” and “hakama”, which is interesting!

He told me that “Batik” had collaborated with Japanese kimono at international events. When a kimono fashion show with themes from all over the world was held, it seems that one kimono was made using the dyeing of Kyoto called “Kyoyuzen” and the technique of “batik”. He actually showed me the photo, and it was very impressive to see the flower pattern of “Batik” shining on the cloth dyed in red and white unique to Japan.

Cultural exchanges that connect countries take place in various places and we just don’t know about them. I think it is one of the great things about the event to know these kinds of stories.

Am I able to talk with people I meet for the first time at an online event?

Under the current pandemic situation, I talk to people online more often, but I’m still not used to it.
Moreover, this was my first time participating in this kind of event. Just between us, I felt nervous until I participated.

However, as I said earlier, the event had a relaxed atmosphere from beginning to end, and when I noticed, I was leaning forward and enjoying myself.
I cannot fully understand English, but I could still enjoy the presentation because it was explained also in Japanese!

During the event, I often wondered “How can I ask this in English?”, and found it annoying that I couldn’t say it well in English. But, it is a good learning opportunity, and it also motivates me to learn English every day like “I will definitely be able to ask questions in English by the next time!” I was relieved that all the participants were willing to listen to the questions.

If I think about it, all the participants are those who have learned a second language and they know how difficult it is to learn a new language. I think that is why we could have such considerate communication beyond words.

What makes VLT so appealing? The fun of getting to know new places through the host!

It was exciting to feel the culture of a new land I have never been to, especially when it is difficult to go out due to the Corona pandemic.
Virtual Local Trip will be held in other countries/regions in the future !!!

“Where should we go when the pandemic is over?”
This event made me feel such excitement! I will definitely participate again!

Also, please visit the website below for other Borderless House original programs such as Language Exchange I mentioned at the beginning.

<Borderless Mates Program>

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How to Build Community in Borderless House as a Foreigner

Hi, this is Claire from Borderless House! I’m here this time to talk about a really important topic, which is how to make friends and build a supportive community as a foreigner in one of the Borderless House.

Effortless Sharehouse Community

To be honest, when I decided to move to Japan last year, I was only considering living alone in an apartment next to my workplace. However, I ultimately wasn’t able to secure a place and was forced to choose another option. Although at the time I was sad that I lost my opportunity to live solo in Japan, I am forever grateful that I was able to instead find a home at Borderless House. It will forever be one of the best decisions I made throughout the past year. I am a social person, and with limited opportunities to meet people around my age group at work, as well as an irrational fear of going places by myself, living alone would have certainly ended in a lonely disaster.

Needless to say, it is important to have a strong support system when moving to a different country. One way to immediately set yourself up for success in making friends and community when moving to Japan is by choosing sharehouse accommodations that allows you to make both foreign and Japanese friends! You will be able to relate to your foreign friends as a fellow non-Japanese resident, and also will be able to get a more authentic experience of Japan through the knowledge and camaraderie of your Japanese friends.

My Sharehouse

This leads me to my current situation. Since the beginning of August 2019, I have been living in one of the Borderless House in Tokyo with 14 other housemates. I often find myself using the words “friends” or “family” to describe my fellow sharehouse residents, as there is an extremely special bond that forms when you get to go through daily life with other people. When I began my time at the sharehouse, I chose to live in a single room which meant that I was able to slowly get to know my housemates when hanging out in the common areas and go back to my room if I ever felt overwhelmed or needed some quiet alone time. Since getting to know my housemates, I recently decided to live in a share-room with one of my closest housemates. I was skeptical about staying in a shared room at first as I felt like I wanted to have my own independence and space in a single room. However, looking back I honestly wish that I had made the move to a shared room sooner as I have formed even deeper bonds with my Japanese roommate, making it feel like I have a sister here who I can talk to about anything.

What makes Borderless House so special is that it keeps the ratio of its houses to 1:1 in terms of both nationality (Japanese/foreigner) and gender (male/female). I am always tempted to make friends with people who are very similar to me, which means that I most likely would have only made female, American friends here in Japan. Now, of course, having friends who are similar to you and who understand your background are by no means bad. However, now living at the house, I have come to realize the deep value of making friends with people who come from backgrounds are different from my own. I have been moved while listening to the stories of my housemates; I get to see the love they have for their family when they speak about their hometowns, feel my mouth water when they describe their favorite foods back home and be inspired hearing about their goals and aspirations for the future. Because of these interactions, my own mindset has expanded and thanks to my housemates I believe I have become a more compassionate and understanding person. I am now much more able to step out of my comfort zone and have overcome some of my timidness.

BH Online Language Exchange Program

One question that may come up for some readers is “How do I form a community in Japan before moving there?” Recently, due to the Coronavirus, many people have missed out on the opportunity to come to Japan and Borderless House has responded by creating a Language Exchange Program where you can get matched with a current resident Borderless House sharehouses here in Tokyo! Not only will you be able to connect with Japanese residents and practice Japanese, but due to Borderless Houses’ unique mix of people, you also have the option to learn a variety of languages and cultures from around the world. By speaking with residents you can prepare for your trip to Japan by getting insider knowledge about Japan from a Japanese resident, or get answers to your questions and worries through the real-time perspective of a foreigner living in Japan. Why not join the program and start building a community in Japan ahead of time? Your language partner is waiting to meet you!!

In-person Meet-ups


Just as it is important to build friends outside of your family circle, of course, it is also important to branch out and have friends outside of your share house or other living accommodations. Given that Japan is becoming more international with each successive year, you are never alone in your desire to make friends and meet new people. One way to get connected to this community is through Meetup, which offers a platform for people to create get-togethers and events in Tokyo. Events are usually associated with shared interests such as sports, coding, gaming, language exchange etc. It can feel a bit intimidating at first to step into a room full of strangers, but remember that everyone attending the event shares the common goal of making friends. Walk into the even confidently and with a smile, and you will be surprised at the amount of people who will want to hear your life story and be friends with you! I have had a very positive experience at these events and made some lasting friends, both Japanese and foreigner. If you don’t have a strong inclination towards any of the interest group meet-ups offered, one of the easiest ways to get involved in the meet-up community is through attending a language exchange event; Grab one of your Japanese housemates and go to a Japanese-foreign language exchange together!

Sports and Interest Clubs

↑↑goofing off with my swim teammate

Another way to create a fast and lasting community is through joining an established sports or interest group. Many of the same types of clubs and groups that existed in your home country also exist in Japan! It’s a great opportunity to use your Japanese skills in a familiar setting. As I was a swimmer in America for 17 years, I decided that one way for me to create friends here in Tokyo was to join the swimming community in Tokyo. Doing something that I am familiar with while meeting new people helped me have the confidence necessary to step out of my shell and interact with others. I was able to learn new swim-related Japanese and improve on my skills at the same time! Within my own share house there are people like me who are involved in familiar hobbies by being a part of music groups and bouldering teams. You should also feel free to take up a new hobby if you want to! In addition to swimming, I started taking dance classes for the first time in my life, and although it is extremely far out of my comfort zone, after going to class consistently for a few months, I have made incredible friends and have become a member of the dance studio members club!!

In contrast to Meetup events, joining an established club or community makes it more likely that you will continually meet with the same people each week, making it easier to build a long-lasting community. To find these groups, you may need to network a bit and do some google searching, but usually sports and other interest communities are vast and eager to help. If you are a college alumni, see if there are any alumni in Tokyo that you can reach out to, and with social media it is easier than ever to find people with similar interests who are living closeby. Don’t be afraid to contact people out of the blue. Humans are social animals and we love to connect and help each other, so don’t be intimidated!

Other Advice and Take-aways

When first moving to Tokyo from a foreign country, making friends can seem intimidating. Borderless House undoubtedly is an immediate way to make lasting friends and connections, and we are ready to welcome you with open arms! For making friends outside of your sharehouse family setting, my best piece of advice is to find like-minded people with similar interests. As many things are new and unfamiliar, find a situation where you can feel most comfortable and freely express your personality. Be sure that you also consistently show up to each meeting or practice if you join a group- building connections takes time and effort!

However, make sure that for each comfort zone that you have here in Japan, you find another place that challenges you to grow. One pitfall that I would caution against is only joining an international community during your time here in Japan. Again, joining a Borderless House and some of our programs, such as the Online Language Exchange, are easy ways to make sure that you will be able to immerse yourself in Japanese language and culture by making connections with locals. Don’t be afraid to join clubs or groups that don’t have many non-Japanese participants! You never know the bonds and self-growth that you’ll be able to make by pushing yourself a bit outside of your familiar zones.

A whole community of exciting and passionate people are waiting here in all Borderless House to become your friend, so start networking, start exploring, and watch your experiences abroad brighten and expand!