When going to Japan, if there was one thing that enjoyed thoroughly is a Meetup and Facebook group known as Welcome Tokyo.
When it comes to events for people to meet new friends and learn about each other’s culture, I don’t think I have experienced anything but fun times with this certain group.
Bare in mind, there are other competitors and I’m sure there are those who are biased to those competitors, but I think for me, what I enjoy the most about Welcome Tokyo is how the event has carried itself professionally, making things more hospitable but also foreigner friendly.
But not all meetup groups are the same, unfortunately there are quite a few popping up, while some are more towards the social aspect that the language learning and there are those who are in it for the language learning, there are those who are just doing it to make quick money, while the host lacks any social skills. So, if you are a Type-A personality and the host is well-reserved, it’s not going to go all that well.
Fortunately, Welcome Tokyo’s Imagawa Kentaroh does a fantastic job of making sure people participate, he’s available for questions and if anything, he has done a great job.
Imagawa runs one of the largest Hanami picnic parties at Yoyogi Park during the cherry blossom weeks and I’ve been quite impressed but also the determination he puts in to secure the spots by starting overnight and being out there in the freezing cold temperature but making sure those coming to experience a Hanami the following morning/afternoon, will have a good time.
But along with having himself and staff who work hard to work with so many people attending, it’s the fact that the organization is there. That’s what I like.
May you want to do an English conversation during the day or want to take part in the more social aspects, may it be a pizza party or a social night at a pub, since I first attended a Welcome Tokyo event, I have had nothing but awesome experiences.
But to take part in these events, it’s important for one to know that it does cost money to participate in each event.
Afterall, to run these events, it’s literally a full-time job, especially when it comes to working with an establishment to hold the event, traveling to various locations to make sure everything is going smooth.
It’s requires a lot of dedication, patience and also finding staff holding events in other locations throughout the city at the same time, who are dedicated in doing their job but also ensuring that those participating have an enjoyable time.
The language exchanges are fun interactive events, where one would speak English for 15 minutes then switch to Japanese for another 15 minutes and then you switch groups. This is great for those who want to partake in language exchanges, for Japanese or people who want to better their English and of course, being in Japan, for one to utilize their Japanese.
When it comes to these locations (may it be held at a cafe, pub, restaurant, etc.), to give up space for meetings to be held, they expect business, so it is required to pay for a drink or get something to eat. And of course, there are membership costs to take part in an event, which is inexpensive at Y500 for most events and for bigger events, about Y1000.
And towards the end of the event, everyone takes a group picture with each other.
I have met amazing people through Welcome Tokyo events. Many who remain as friends today and I communicate with them, had dinner or lunch with them and for the most part, nothing but positive experiences.
Overall, if you are wanting to go to Tokyo and take part in English/Japanese conversation and social events (obviously not during the novel coronavirus or during a lockdown – Welcome Tokyo does do an online ZOOM chat at 8:00 p.m. – Tokyo Time), Welcome Tokyo is in my opinion has delivered the best experience by far and I really do recommend it.
For more information, please visit the Welcome Tokyo website or their Facebook page.
