Japan is fast becoming a cultural force and a tourist hotspot. Each year, more and more foreigners are becoming mesmerized by its heritage, pop phenomenons, and truly magical places. Of course, the people themselves tend to be quite interesting so it is only understandable if you wish to make some Japanese friends. Instead of randomly adding strangers on social media, you will want to find a better way to connect. Apps that allow you to reach out and meet people who share your interests are a great way to achieve this. It doesn't matter if you're an expat or are just planning a short trip Japan - whether you are interested in manga or sports or engineering - you are bound to find someone to chat with.

Before you start connecting, you should bear in mind that not all Japanese people speak English. Many of them will still be monolingual. This may pose a challenge but not one that you cannot overcome. Learning a new language is, after all, an excellent way to explore the world. Despite its unique writing system, Japanese is not too difficult to master. After setting a foundation for yourself, the best way to reach fluency is through language exchange. Simply practice with a native speaker online and you'll be amazed by your own progress. It's also a great way to make new friends.

Once you form friendships with some new faces, you will, of course, wish to stay in touch. Doing this over the phone is perhaps the worst idea you can have, especially if you spend most of your time outside Asia. In order to avoid exorbitant bills, download a popular chat app instead. It will allow you to have fun with your Japanese friends, talk to them any time you like, and never have to worry about the expenses. Instead, you can save your money for a trip around Japan and get to meet all your new friends in person.