Want Japanese friends but not sure where to start? Apps are a common first step. If you speak English and want to meet people in person as friends, start with Buy Me a Matcha: the only app built specifically for English speakers to make real friends in Japan. It's friends-only, English-only and one-on-one over a matcha in Tokyo, including with Japanese people who speak English. Other apps are built for something else, like language practice or group events. Here's what each is good for, and how to move from chatting to actually meeting.
Friends only, all in English, one person at a time. You match with people near your station in Tokyo, including Japanese people who speak English, and meet over a matcha or coffee. Everyone is there for friendship, not dating or a lesson.
Language exchange chat. Huge Japanese user base, great for practice. Many chats stay online and never become meetups. HelloTalk vs Tandem.
Similar to HelloTalk with a more curated feel. Good for finding a regular language partner.
Group events, including many language exchanges and international mixers in Tokyo.
A friend mode separate from dating. Smaller in Japan but growing. How it works in Tokyo.
Clubs, classes and volunteering are where many long-term Japanese friendships start. How to meet locals in Tokyo covers the offline side.
Buy Me a Matcha helps you meet new people in Tokyo one at a time over a coffee or matcha. In English, friends only, free on iPhone.
Buy Me a Matcha, if you want to meet in person as friends: it's friends-only and English-only, and you meet one-on-one in Tokyo, including Japanese people who speak English. Other apps are built for something else: HelloTalk and Tandem for language practice by chat, Meetup for group events.
Yes, especially in Tokyo, where many Japanese people speak English and enjoy international friendships. Learning some Japanese still helps a lot.
It's great for practice and chatting, but many conversations stay online. Suggest a short café meetup if you click with someone.
Yes. Buy Me a Matcha is a friends-only app for meeting people in Tokyo one at a time, all in English.
