Reason Number 3
When we moved to Chicago, fresh out of college and newly married, we had a bit of a rough time making friends and connections. We found that was difficult once we entered the adult, working world to find people that shared our interests and hobbies. Unlike undergrad when a huge group of students all moved into the same building without any friends of their own, the working world was quite different. We really didn’t feel like we made any solid friends until our last few years living there, and then it was a shame to leave.
But, what I like about being in Japan is how there is an instant social network upon arriving. Basically what happens when you move here is that it is easy to pick out people that you might have something potentially in common with (foreigners), here it is simple to spot just about any foreigner and strike up a conversation. Those first few minutes are easy, talking about where you are from, how long you have been here, places you’ve traveled, how long you intend to stay, etc. Once the initial ice-breaking takes place, it is easy to move into a more in-depth conversation or friendship.
Also, like in university, everyone moves here and most people don’t have any friends. Given that situation, everyone is willing to be a bit more outgoing, take a few more risks, and friendships develop at warp-speed. I really like that about Japan. We have been here only a year and some of the friendships we have developed are strong and solid. Sure, many of those friends will be leaving in the next few weeks (and I hope that we are able to maintain the friendships at a distance), but I also know that a whole group of new people will be coming.
Those new people will be looking for friendship and support, just like we were last year, and I know that new connections and bonds will form just as quickly as they did then. Except, this time, I might get to be the one doing a bit more of the supporting since I am sure that most of the new folks will look to those of us that have been here for awhile for some tips about living in Japan. I really hope that I have some nuggets to share with them. . .