Buy Me a Matcha
Tokyo guide · 2026年10月

2026年版外国人の友達と仲良くなるコツ

一度会って楽しかった。でも、そこから「友達」になるのが難しい。実は、ちょっとした文化の違いを知るだけでぐっとラクになります。
You met once and it was fun, but turning that into a friendship feels hard. Knowing a few small cultural differences makes it much easier.

英語でコミュニケーションが取れる方向け · The rest of this page is in English.

いちばん大事なことBe the one who invites

In Japan, people often wait to be invited so they don't impose. Many foreigners do the same in Tokyo, because they don't want to bother you. The result: two people who both want to hang out, both waiting. If you invite first, you'll usually find they were hoping you would.

知っておくとラクSmall differences, big difference

Invitations are taken literally

"We should hang out sometime" is often heard as a real plan, and "maybe" can mean maybe. If you mean it, add a day: "How about Saturday?"

Saying no is fine

A clear "I can't this week, but next week?" is friendly, not rude. Vague answers can be confusing; honest ones are appreciated.

Splitting the bill

Splitting is normal for friends. Taking turns ("I'll get the coffee, you get it next time") is a nice way to make sure there's a next time.

Reply speed

Some people reply instantly, some take a day. A slow reply usually just means busy, not uninterested.

Compliments

When a friend compliments you, a simple "Thank you!" is perfect. Saying "no, no, not at all" can sound like you disagree with them.

Personal questions

Asking "What do you like doing on weekends?" or "Why did you come to Japan?" shows interest. Most people love talking about it.

仲良くなる流れFrom first meet to friend

  1. Follow up within a few days. "That was fun! Want to try that ramen place next week?" Short and specific.
  2. Show them your Tokyo. Your favourite izakaya, a local festival, a sentō. Things that are easy for you and hard for them alone are the best plans. Ideas here.
  3. Let them show you theirs. Their favourite food, music or holidays. Friendship goes both ways.
  4. Don't over-apologise. "Sorry, my English is bad" isn't needed. If you're chatting, your English is working.
  5. Meet regularly. Seeing the same person every couple of weeks is what turns a nice chat into a real friend.

Remember · 大事なのは

英語で話せる友達を、東京で。

Buy Me a Matcha shows you people in Tokyo who speak English and also want new friends. Match, pick a café, and meet one-on-one over a matcha. Free, and not a dating app.

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