Finding Community through Japan Society

When I first arrived in the UK, I didn’t know anyone and didn’t have a support system. Moving to a new country can be exciting, but also a bit overwhelming — especially when everything feels unfamiliar. That’s why I decided to join Japan Society — I wanted to connect with other Japanese students and feel a bit more at home in a new country.

The society is a mix of Japanese and non-Japanese students, and it’s always fun talking to new people. Everyone’s really welcoming, and I’ve had so many great conversations with people I wouldn’t have met otherwise. I’ve made some really good friends through it, and we often hang out outside of the society too. Being the only Japanese student in my academic course, it means a lot to have this space where I can connect with others who understand where I’m coming from. It helps me feel more balanced — like I have both my academic life and my cultural life here.

Japan Society organises a lot of events throughout the term, and my favourite ones so far have been the sushi-making class and the udon festival. It was fun to share a bit of our culture and also enjoy food that reminded me of home — especially since I always miss Japanese food here. I believe food is such a great way to connect people, and those events had a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where everyone could join in and enjoy themselves.

Being part of Japan Society has made a huge difference in my university life. It’s helped me stay connected to my roots, build meaningful friendships, and share my culture with others.

To anyone who’s thinking about joining a club or society but feels unsure, I’d say: just go to one event. You don’t have to commit right away — just show up, talk to someone new, and see how it feels. You might be surprised how quickly it becomes a part of your uni experience.