Coping with life in Japan

I don’t always feel comfortable in Japan.

Living in a largely homogeneous society that has a distinctive difficulty in understanding what comes from abroad, one can end up experiencing difficult feelings here. I suspect most long-term residents have, to a greater or lesser extent, issues of different nature about living in Japan, and I sometimes wish I had the chance to talk about it. I’ve met a lot of foreigners here in very different circumstances, but rarely found the chance for such an exchange, and I think it could be of help for all.

It’s not about “getting something off your chest”, but rather sharing difficult feelings, which always is one of the best ways to alleviate them: it enables one to confirm you are not alone.

With my many limitations as a host, I’d like to create such a space. It could be as simple as a chat over coffee. But whatever shape it takes, I really think it should be face-to-face. Nothing can replace a face-to-face meeting in that sense.

Regardless your reasons and circumstances, if staying in this country troubles you, join us.