Kokusai Koryu Center
International Friendship Centers

Feel down? It may be from a weather change.

Climate change affects our health condition physically and even emotionally, leading to depression. You are not the only one who feels emotionally unstable and somehow gloomy without any reason, sometimes during the change of seasons, after the consecutive holidays in May and the rainy season in June. Those in Japan who have come from abroad should especially be aware of the risk during that time of the year, as stresses from language problems at school/work and differences in lifestyle may have piled up unconsciously. They may need a "place to escape" with mental health in mind, but where to? One option is International Friendship Centers or Kokusai Koryu Center.

International Friendship Center is a place to make foreign residents feel at ease.

International Friendship Centers are fundamentally places to encourage people to create friendships internationally through cultural exchange programs. Tokyo has those facilities dotted around the prefecture, where people can enjoy various cultural exchange events and experience programs. Although there are differences in the programs provided at each facility, they all support offering a place to feel at ease for foreign residents in Tokyo. The programs include such as tea ceremonies and kimono (yukata) dressing experiences, allowing participants to learn a part of Japanese culture with fun. In the cooking lesson for international food, you will experience cross-cultural exchange with new friends worldwide.

Learn Japanese at the friendship center.

Language barriers are always a concern for non-Japanese-speaking people in Japan. Thankfully, most international friendship centers offer Japanese lessons operated by volunteers. Although the classes are not like curriculums provided by language schools, trained volunteers will be by your side to teach you how to speak Japanese in a free-talking style. The teachers of different ages will answer any questions about Japan that make you wonder or confused in daily living. Also, making new friends in the class will be emotionally supportive. The friends who came to Japan from other countries will empathize with you and encourage you when you feel down.

If you are interested in the Japanese classes, why not find the international friendship center in your area and visit there to ask about the lessons 日本語教室 (Nihongo-kyoushitsu). The lessons are offered in different systems at each facility. Some of them have fixed sessions that accept applications only a few times a year, and some others are always welcome to join throughout the year.

International Friendship Centers (Associations) in Tokyo