Interview for Machiya2 house members! Why Borderless House is different from other share houses, in making a community like real family?

Hi! This is Ayako, a House Manager at Borderless House! This is a long interview for good friends in Machiya2 house, this time. Among the Machiya2 house, we talked with Damien, Giulio, Marco, and Taka who we could meet on the day when Giulio moves out.

Members who moved in here for different “Community” from other companies

– To get straight to the points, why did you come to Borderless House?

Damien: My friends used to be in Japan and he stayed in Borderless House, so he told me about his experience. I read some your competitors, but Borderless house seems better. It seems to be more like community and you care about experience like living in share house being good. Others just focus on “Okay, here is your share house, do what you want to do”. GIulio:  Go! Go! Nihon told me many companies like Sakura House and Oak House, then I checked many share houses. I chose Borderless House because of the image in particular, it seemed good house, it is close to school, Machiya seemed like safe place. ▼Damien(Upper left), Giulio(Upper right), Marco(Lower left), Taka(Lower right) Marco: I wasn’t in Borderless House at first. I was in a different share house and I wasn’t enjoying it. There were 19 rooms, but people really didn’t talk each other. But, lot of my friends from school were in Borderless House, and I heard there are less people but actually staying together, and seemed nice. Taka: I lived in a share house in Mitaka, where about 30people live in, but people didn’t communicate there too. So, I felt that it is boring. Then, I found Borderless House, and since the community there seemed nice, so I chose to live here. ▼They seems to be in really close relations during interview

Why can Borderless house have home-like community?

– What is different from other share house companies? What do you think different from others?

Marco:  I wasn’t enjoying Japan when I was in the other share house. I just went to school. Then came back home, and I was alone all the night. But, here I come back and we play games, watch movies, and go out. It’s nice. Damien: When you live with strangers, you need kind an excuse to get together to do something. As I said earlier, Borderless House very much make it focus on this is what you should expect, and they encourage communication. So, when you move here, I feel “I should want to talk with people” because they expect me to do it and that is Borderless House is about. So, that’s the excuse. That’s why housemates in Borderlss house become like family. ▼Playing game and watching movies in living room were their favorite

– Giulio and Taka, why did you two live in share room? How was it?

Giulio I was checking private room at first, but I thought my Japanese will be better if I share with Japanese. If I find Kanji I cannot read, I could ask Taka anytime. School was okay for me but I learned more from Taka. Taka I shared once before when I was in New Zealand, but I didn’t like it at that time, because I wanted to be alone. But now it is completely different. I really enjoy living with Giulio. I really enjoy living with someone from different countries, different backgrounds, it’s amazing. There is a lot to learn Japanese culture, and also different country’s culture. ▼Giulio and Taka looks like real brothers Giulio For the people who are afraid of living in share room, as we talked earlier, in different share house, “This is your share house”, then that’s it. But Borderless House is different. I think it helps you. You can trust me, trust what Borderless House says about this, and don’t be scared. Taka:  If there is any problem, you can just go to other place. If you want to have your own time, you can choose private room. But, share room is reasonable. There is no good or bad.

Calm, but convenient. A perfect place to live comfortably, Machiya

– What is good about Machiya area?

Damien: There is a Chiyoda line, so you can go anywhere easily. It is easy to reach Yamanote Line, and also Air port. It is not central Tokyo, but close enough. Most of other areas are commercial, but Machiya is more like real Japan. Giulio: Machiya is quiet, and you can walk to supermarket in few minutes, there are two convenience stores, and there is hospital, too. Also, it is safe. There is everything. Housemates in Machiya2 house seems to be really good friends like family. They were enjoying interview, making jokes. Right before Giulio’s move out, they even went to Yokohama, to make good memories at last. If you are looking for a place to live in a community like real family, not just an accommodation, why don’t you live in Machiya 2 house? Details of Machiya2 House Share House in Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara area Ask staff to introduce share houses  

Interview for David, who enjoyed socializing across the borders of his own house, even with staff!

Hi, This is Kana from the Borderless House marketing team. We interviewed David from Machiya1 House this time! As he became close to the staff members as well, let’s hear his point of view.

“I got open-minded after living in a share house” – What kind of person is he?

– David, what made you come to Japan and to live in share house?

I had Japanese friends originally, and wanted to change my life a little bit. So, I came here last September(2015). This is my forth visit. I was going to Akamonkai, I chose Machiya1 house since it is walk-able distance and near the station. I looked at Oak House too, but this house in Borderless House seemed closer to school and convenient. Then, I decided whether I live in private room or share room, talking with staff. It was my first time for me to live in a share house, but I got open-minded. When you share a house with others, you understand different cultures and have to be kind and aware of helping each others.

“I could make friends in other houses thanks to staff”

– Since you visited our office often, I think you became closer to staff! What’s the staff like to you?

I think the staff is good! They are friendly and good support. Every time I make payment at your office, I talked with staff. (We were surprised that David became more fluent in Japanese every time he comes to office!) When there were problems with Air conditioner or Internet, Borderless House responded in few hours, and fixed soon. Actually, It was me who touched the device for Internet accidentally, though… I joined Halloween Party held by staff last year too, and it was fun. Also, when there were parties at houses near Machiya1 house, one of staff invited me. That’s why I could make friends with people in Machiya2 house and Kitasenju House. It was good that staff helped me in such a way. Though I didn’t talk Japanese so much in here since housemates were good at English, I talked mainly in Japanese with people in Kitasenju House. ▼BBQ with people in Kitasenju House

Perfect house for “people who are not into party but want to talk with people

– What kind of people do you recommend this house to?

Machiya1 house is more for people who are not into party, but want to talk to people, having their own life. This house is perfect for such people. Also, Machiya is really convenient. There are many lines at Machiya station including Chiyoda line, and Machiya1 house is close to station. Besides, there are many food shops in Machiya. By the way, my favorite is “Jirorian(ジロリアン 町屋店)”.(※The ramen shop related to famous ramen chain shops”Jiro”) You can eat a lot with at cheap. ▼Last day at Machiya1 House. Seeing off by a housemate If you want to put importance on living comfortable and having your own life, not only enjoying international exchange, I see Machiya1 House is good environment to live in! Details of Machiya1 House Share House in Ueno, Asakusa, Akihabara area Ask staff to introduce share houses  

-No other place than here to make families all over world at one time!- Interview for Sawami

Hello! This is Kana from the Borderless House marketing team. This time, we interviewed Sawami from Shimokitazawa 3 House! She is one of the original members of this House and stayed here from her university days until her first year as an employee.

A community with casual and easygoing residents, going out for drinks if they have the time

– Sawami, you have lived here for about a year. How’s your daily life here?

My housemates here are great people, casual and easygoing in a good way! Of course, sometimes we shared each other’s opinions and had discussions, but never serious arguments. Some of them organized parties, and if we had time, we went for drinks in Shimokitazawa or Shibuya. We had a well-balanced community here! ▼Relaxing in the house’s living room. Sawami is right in the middle!

Touched by a usually cool housemate’s words:“You’re like family to me!”

– So you had a lot of chances to socialize!How was it to meet so many different people?

Lately, many foreign new housemates came here for a short term stay just for the summer. But we still became close, and like a family! We stayed in touch after they went back home, and even got to meet some of them again when they came back to Japan to visit. I think it is a really rare experience to be able to become friends with people from so many different countries. I was especially happy when one of my housemates said, “I really think of you all like a family, so it’s really sad to see people go!” He seemed rather cool to me at the beginning, so I was all the more touched when I heard him saying that. ▼A memory from the time an ex-housemate from France came to visit

Shimokitazawa 3 House – scoring with both its facilities and location!

– What do you like about this house in particular?

Since the house was newly built from scratch, the facilities are of course great, plus, Shibuya is really close so the location is a big plus! Some of my housemates liked going to lots of different places, so we often discovered new bars and such in Shibuya. Some of them were quite weird too! ▼A horror-themed bar in Shibuya We often went to Shimokitazawa too. Our favorite place to gather with everyone was “Doma Doma”, and we often went to karaoke too. Close by is a bar called “Banana Moon”, and they have all kinds of alcohol from all over the world there. I would definitely recommend that place! Close to the house, there is a small shop I often went to called “Kinjiro”, where the fruits are really delicious. Also, I can recommend the Genghis Khan (grilled mutton) curry at “Magic Spice”, a very popular soup curry place! Not only is it close to Shibuya and Shimokitazawa, but the house’s surroundings are convenient for your daily life as well. There is always a new place nearby to go with your housemates, plus the house is newly built with great facilities. Shimokitazawa 3 Share House will satisfy all your needs! If you are looking for a place to live comfortably in the city, while having fun housemates to socialize with, this is the house for you! ◆ Learn more about Shimokitazawa 3 Share House ◆ Look for share houses in the Shibuya – Harajuku – Shimokitazawa area ◆ Read other blog articles

It’s always hard to say Goodbye - Farewell party in a Share House, Taipei♪

Hello, this is BORDERLESS HOUSE Taipei!

Today we are going to share a heartwarming farewell party which was held by our lovely tenants at one of our share houses in Taipei! Housemates crowded around a table and enjoy the meal together!

It’s always hard to say goodbye to housemates who stayed together every day, when they are going to leave Taipei and back to their home countries, especially some countries are really far from Taiwan. As time goes by, housemates have become like family members. Even though everyone has different backgrounds, they spent time together to hang out and get to know each other. At last, members in this house had an intimate relationship.

What do you do to hold the farewell party?

Tenants from one of our share houses in Daan area had 2 “foreign cuisine dinner parties” for their housemates who are going to move out soon during this summer!

Let’s take a look at the process of preparing for delectable meals!

Signature dishes from around the world!

Since our tenants in this house are from different countries (Taiwan, Japan, America, Mexico and Korea), you can see there are Hakka style food which made by fried pork and squid with dry turnip and garlic represent famous Taiwanese food, also Japanese curry and sashimi, Thai spring roll, spaghetti, Mexican burritos and Korean spicy rice cake (deuk bog gi), and so on.

What a sumptuous meal!! Everyone enjoyed it so much!

Housemates gathered together at home and made their signature dishes which represent their culture and home countries. They had a lot of fun chatting and created great memories that will make every housemate recall the best time to live together in Borderless House! Moreover, they made a promise with each other that they will definitely meet again somewhere in the world.

Below are our houses in Daan area >>> Guess which house have held such a warm farewell party!!

Why not join Borderless House and throw a special house party with your housemates!? (^_−)☆

Daan1 House

http://www.borderless-house.com/tw/sharehouse/h/daan1

 

Daan2 House

http://www.borderless-house.com/tw/sharehouse/h/daan2

 

Daan3 House

http://www.borderless-house.com/tw/sharehouse/h/daan3

 

Daan4 House

http://www.borderless-house.com/tw/sharehouse/h/daan4

Great Location – Our NEW SHARE HOUSE is opening only one stop (3 min.) away from Shibuya Station!

Only One Room Vacancy Left! One week after putting it on our website, there is already only one room left! If you are interested, make sure to apply fast.  Current Vacancy: One private room for a foreign female Hello, this is Kohei, House Developer at Borderless House. Today I will introduce our new house opening on September 23rd – Shibuya-ikejiri Share House. Right now, our staff is in the middle of preparing for the opening. So today, you will also learn more about the process of creating a new share house!

Where is Ikejiri-ohashi again…? Actually, it’s in walking distance to Shibuya!

The closest station to the house is Ikejiri-ohashi Station. With the Denentoshi Line, it takes only 3 minutes to Shibuya. Not only will this make your daily commute to school or work easier, but you can also conveniently reach any place in Tokyo from here. And as Shibuya is only a 25 minute walk away, you do not need to worry about missing the last train anymore. This is the perfect location for those working in and around Shibuya!

The staff is working hard to prepare the opening!

The house opening experts roll up their sleeves and get to work. “You’ll see – we’ll turn Shibuya-ikejiri into a wonderful house!” At Borderless House, the staff is responsible for the whole process, from choosing the furniture up to putting it together. They have not only lived in a share house themselves before, but they also communicate with the current residents every day. By keeping a realistic imagine of the house’s future tenants and their daily life in mind, they create a comfortable and cozy living space.   Our house opening apprentice Suguru; currently struggling with putting up a desk… “Leave the loft beds to me!” –by Takato

There you go – one room done!

Our unique interior: The private rooms are equipped with a stylish desk and chair. The loft beds are made of wood, perfect for those with a natural taste. If you chose a share room, you can live in the middle of the city at a low-priced rent. The living room just needs one last effort until completion! Around Ikejiri-ohashi, there is a park with lots of greenery as well as many stylish shops, perfect for going out with your housemates on the weekend. No matter if you are an experienced share house resident or not – why not build a brand new community with the other original members? <More Information on Shibuya-ikejiri Share House> JPN: http://www.borderless-house.jp/jp/sharehouse/h/shibuya-ikejiri1 EN: http://www.borderless-house.com/jp/sharehouse/h/shibuya-ikejiri1  

HOUSE EXCHANGE 준형 서울에서 도쿄로! (3)

하우스 익스체인지 서울에서 도쿄로! 쉐어하우스 보더리스 하우스입니다! 도쿄로 한 달간 하우스익스체인지를 다녀온 준형씨의 하우스익스체인지 여행기 1편과 2편에 이어 솔직한 후기가 가득한 마지막 이야기를 들려드립니다!     1. 보더리스 쉐어 하우스의 하우스 익스체인지를 신청 한 이유는? 서울 쉐어 하우스에서 일본인 친구를 만났습니다. 함께 지내면서 일본의 문화를 어깨 너머로 배우게되었고 일본에 대한 흥미를 많이 가지게되었습니다. 또한 서울 보더리스 하우스에 온 외국인 친구들을 보면서 ‘외국인이 된 느낌은 어떨까?’라는 생각을했고, 다른 나라에 가서 외국인으로서 생활 해보고 싶어 신청했습니다. 2. 실제로 다녀오고 나서 어떠 셨나요? 하우스 익스체인지를 통해 일본에 대해 더욱 깊이 경험할 수있었습니다. 또한 다음 학기를위한 충분한 휴식을 도쿄에서 가졌 구요! 도쿄의 중심지에서, 한 달 동안 무료로 지낼 수 있었기에 경제적인 부담이 많이 줄어들어 맛있는 음식, 로컬 전시회 등을 많이 즐길 수있었습니다. 하우스 익스체인지를 통해 단순한 여행에서는 경험하지 못할 많은 경험을 할 수있었습니다. 3. 제일 기억에 남는 에피소드가 있으시다면? 아사쿠사 역의 횡단 보도를 건너 던 중, 서울 보더리스 하우스의 하우스 메이트인 제승과 비를 우연히 만났습니다. 보더리스 하우스가 아니었다면 그냥 스쳐 지나가는 사람 중 하나 였을 텐데, 하우스 메이트들을 만난 순간 정말 기뻤고, 보더리스 하우스가 맺어 준 인연에 새삼 감사함을 느꼈습니다. 또한 일본에 가지 전 제 목표 중 하나가 매일 한끼는 일본의 편의점 도시락을 먹어 보자!였습니다. 도쿄에서 지내는 동안 로손, 패밀리 마트, 세븐 일레븐 등 안먹어 본 도시락이 없을 정도입니다. 4. 하우스 익스체인지를 고민하는 분들에게 한마디한다면? 기회가된다면 바로 결정하고 비행기 티켓을 구매하시면 좋겠습니다! 일본 쉐어 하우스에서 머물 수있는 하우스 익스체인지를 통해 그 나라에 대해 배울 수 있고 새로운 인연을 만날 수 있었습니다. 도쿄에 대해 전문가가되었다는 생각이들만큼 의미있는 한 달이었습니다! 일본 현지인처럼 그들이 좋아하는 음식을 먹고, 즐기고 싶을 때 일본 쉐어 하우스에서 지내고있는 친구들에게 물어 보면서 현지인의 추천을받을 수 있었던 점도 좋았습니다. 익숙하지 않은 것에 대해 두려워하지 말고, 하나 하나 도전하고 느끼고, 적응하면서 경험을 넓혀보세요! 이런 경험을 할 수있게 도와 주신 보더리스 하우스에 감사하고 이야기하고 싶습니다. 감사합니다!   보더리스 하우스의 하우스 익스체인지 프로그램을 알차게! 즐기고 오신 준형 씨를 보니, 당장이라도 일본 쉐어 하우스로 하우스 익스체인지를 가고 싶어지는 것 같습니다. 멋진 리뷰 감사합니다! * 입주자 한정 * 하우스 익스체인지를 경험 해보고 싶으신 분 이시라면, 언제든지 연락 주시길 바랍니다! 더욱 자세한 사항은 아래 링크에서 확인 가능합니다! http://www.borderless-house.kr/houseexchange

HOUSE EXCHANGE 준형 서울에서 도쿄로! (2)

하우스 익스체인지 서울에서 도쿄로!

쉐어하우스 보더리스 하우스입니다! 지난번 포스팅에 이어서 일본 도쿄 보더리스 하우스익스체인지를 다녀오신 입주자분의 이야기를 소개해드릴게요! 일본어를 하지는 못하지만, 친절한 룸메이트분들을 만나 한달동안 즐겁게 지내고 오셨는데요! 한국에서 구입해간 마스크팩은 모두에게 사랑받는 선물이었다고해요 🙂 다함께 인증사진도 남겨주시고!   다들 한국 화장품은 좋다고 알고계셔서, 굉장히 만족해주셨다고합니다! 하우스 익스체인지의 장점은, 혼자 여행을 갔다고해도 룸메이트분들이 있기때문에 혼자서 쓸쓸히 밥을 먹거나, 혼자서 가기는 어려운 이자카야에도 같이갈 친구들이 생긴다는 점이죠! 현지인들과 소통하기에 너무나도 완벽한 방법이지요 >_< 하우스 익스체인지는 현지의 문화를 즐기거나 언어교류를 할수 있답니다! 쉐어하우스 친구들에게 간단한 한국어를 전파하고자! 초콜렛에 한글과 발음, 의미를 적어서 다함께 나누어 드시기도 했다고해요! 뿌듯뿌듯 🙂 멋지네요! 한국 보더리스 하우스 이벤트때에 만난 인연이었던 현희씨는 현재 일본 보더리스하우스에서 유학생활중인데요, 시간이 맞을때마다 함께 만나서 맛있는 것도 먹고 쇼핑도 하시면서 즐거운 시간을 보내셨다고해요~   준형씨의 하우스익스체인지 일상을 보니 일본여행이 더더욱 가고 싶어지는군요! 다음번 포스팅은 준형씨의 후기를 소개해드리려고해요! 마지막까지 기대해주세요! ^^   *입주자 한정* 하우스 익스체인지를 경험해보고 싶으신 분이시라면, 언제든지 연락 주시길 바랍니다! 더욱 자세한 사항은 아래 링크에서 확인 가능합니다! http://www.borderless-house.kr/houseexchange

HOUSE EXCHANGE 준형 서울에서 도쿄로! (1)

하우스 익스체인지 서울에서 도쿄로!

  쉐어하우스 보더리스 하우스입니다! 일본 도쿄로 하우스 익스체인지를 다녀오신 입주자분을 소개해드릴게요!   입주를 도와준 도쿄 팀 스태프의 말에 의하며, 입주하신 날부터 반갑게 맞이해주신 룸메이트 덕분에 신나는 첫날을 보내셨다고 해요. 다들 반갑게 맞이해주셔서 너무나 감사드려요! 도착하신 날부터 바로 환영회를 해주신다며 하우스 근처 펍에서 친목도모를 하셨다고 하네요. 여름의 도쿄는 불꽃놀이 대회가 많아서 지내시는 기간 동안 유카타도 입고, 룸메이트 분들과 유명한 불꽃놀이를 보러 가셨다고 해요! 한여름밤에 불꽃놀이라니 너무나 멋진 추억이 되었을 것 같군요! 한달 동안 하우스 익스체인지를 가셨기 때문에 룸메이트 분들과도 많이 친해지셔서 이렇게 서로서로 그려주시기도 하고! 규모가 큰 하우스에 계셨다 보니 다 같이 파티도 하고! 처음 방문하신 일본을 알차게 즐기고 오셨다는 준형 씨 🙂   혼자 자유여행으로 가는 것도 즐겁지만, 현지에 도착했을 때 이렇게 환영해주는 친구들이 있다는 것은 정말이지 너무나 행복할 거 같아요!   *입주자 한정* 하우스 익스체인지를 경험해보고 싶으신 분이시라면, 언제든지 연락 주시길 바랍니다! 더욱 자세한 사항은 아래 링크에서 확인 가능합니다!   http://www.borderless-house.kr/houseexchange  

Why foreign students choose share house, even though they can live by themselves with same rent?

Borderless House was introduced by the magazine “Asia no Tomo(アジアの友)” over 5 pages, as one of the spotlighted accommodation for foreign students in Japan!

In this article, we would like to focus especially on “Why is Borderless House popular among foreign students in Japan?”, referring to the contents in the magazine.

“Meeting Japanese” is important than living by themselves

・・・We experienced the difficulties of finding accommodation for foreign people. We felt that this is significant problem in Japan, thus we started to manage the accommodation for foreign people by ourselves to solve that problem. After we searched what kind of life foreign people spend in Japan, we found out that they could hardly meet Japanese…(From the  article in the magazine)

Though it is hard for foreign students to live in an apartment because it usually requires a guarantor and a long contract term, more real estate companies are getting positive to accept foreign people recently.

However, share house is still popular among foreign students, because they cannot get a chance to make Japanese friends and to use Japanese if they live alone, despite they come all the way to Japan.

Our efforts on finding tenants and house to maximize the interaction among tenants

・・・To make an environment for foreign people to know Japan more, we decided to start a share house where half Japanese  and half foreign people live together.  What we put importance when we find a property is the position and the size of living room, which is the most important place for communication among tenants. We lay out a living room of all houses so that tenants can see each other at least once a day. Also, we ask tenants not to bring their own TV or home electronics into their own rooms, so they use refrigerators and microwaves in living room・・・ (From the article in the magazine)

For such foreign students who are longing for making Japanese friends, we are putting efforts to deepen the interaction among tenants.

Half of the tenants are Japanese

One of the remarkable feature of the Borderless House is the ratio of nationalities in each house. We balance the ratio of Japanese to foreign people 50:50, which makes the environment for foreign people to live with Japanese for sure.

“Big living room”  “No Home electronics in each room”

Additionally, we arrange the each room, furniture, and consumer electronics carefully, to promote the daily communication.

In this way, we are putting efforts to make the living environment where foreign students can always communicate with Japanese and make friends with them, which makes Borderless House special among a number of share houses in Japan.

▼Read more details for more details for our passion for  building a better community

“Our Passion for Building an Original Community in a Borderless House”

Interaction with foreigners also attract Japanese

In the article in the magazine “Asia no tomo”, Borderless House was introduced as “a popular share house for foreign people”. However, you might wonder why it is popular to Japanese too.

Actually, since many foreign people comes to Borderless House to meet with Japanese, that’ s why Japanese also enjoy staying here, because they choose to Borderless House to communicate with foreign people.

You can see the magazine “Asia no tomo” at international affairs division. etc at each universities.

If you are looking for a chance to meet with Japanese, feel free to take a look at Borderless House!

▼Let’s looking for a share house! :http://www.borderless-house.jp/jp/

▼For Japanese Language School students : http://www.borderless-house.com/partner/languageschool/

▼Recent Media Information:“Borderless House was articled in a domestic science textbook!”

Borderless House Picnic Party in Taiwan 2016

It was long overdue!! In this hot summer, BORDERLESS HOUSE in Taipei hold a picnic party event for our tenants on 29th of May, 2016 !!

The first of BORDERLESS HOUSE event in 2016 was picnic at the Huashan Creative Park.

Lots of our tenants from different houses joined us. We also invited people who was interested in making friends from all over the world!! We drank beers, enjoyed tasty food, played games and listened to music. We spent such a wonderful time together. ٩(ˊᗜˋ*)و In the beginning of the party, we ate and drank. Let’s get ready to play games 😀   Here are all cute members who joined our event!!   After picnic time, every member had got to know each other. Then, our first game is coming~~~
    We prepared some songs and pictures of movies and anime for our tenants to guess where is the song or character from. Which team will win this game!?!?   Next game~!!! Do you know what were they making? a ( The answer is ” Taipei 101″ !!! ) Last game was our group activity!! Let’s hold our hand and “get the electric shock”!!!   Reward for Winners!!! Congratulations !!!   All of Borderless House staffs are really appreciate everyone who enjoyed our event!! We couldn’t have such a nice picnic event without you!! All participants had enjoyed to talk with people from other houses during whole event! You can meet with and make friends with a lot of people from other houses in our event! Why not live in our share house and make friends with Taiwanese and people from all over the world! International share house in Taipei – BORDERLESS HOUSE TAIPEI http://www.borderless-house.com/tw/