Can foreigners live in a share house?

In recent years, the number of share houses that accept foreigners has been increasing, and they are accepting foreigners with a specific goal in mind, such as "I want to learn Japanese" or "I want to experience Japanese culture."

In shared houses for foreigners, people with different backgrounds from all over the world gather and engage in lively communication.

Therefore, you will have more opportunities to share different cultures and values ​​and learn different languages ​​while living in Japan. For those who value international exchange, a share house that caters to foreigners is the best choice.

The benefits of living with foreigners in a share house

A share house where you can live with foreigners is more than just a place to live; it is a valuable space where you can have international exchange in your daily life. This kind of environment provides many learning opportunities and stimulation, such as improving your language skills and encountering diverse values. In addition, living together with foreigners will broaden your horizons and naturally cultivate flexible thinking and communication skills.

In this chapter, we will introduce the four main benefits of living in a share house with foreigners.

Benefit 1: Studying a language

One of the biggest benefits of living in a share house with foreigners is that you can study the language.

As you will naturally have more opportunities to use English and other foreign languages ​​in your daily life, you will be able to acquire practical language skills. In particular, your listening and expressive abilities will improve dramatically through "real conversations" that you cannot experience at school or through online learning.

It also helps motivate you to continue studying the language, making a shared house with foreigners an ideal learning environment for those aiming to improve their language skills.

Benefit 2: Expand your network of friends around the world

Living in a share house with foreigners means you can naturally interact with tenants from all over the world, which is a major benefit as it allows you to expand your international network.

You can build trusting relationships with people from different backgrounds that you might not meet through university or work connections through everyday life. These relationships can become more than just temporary roommates and may lead to reunions on future trips or even international projects.

By staying connected through social media and video calls, you can build a global network without leaving Japan. For those interested in networking, share houses are a real treasure trove of opportunities to meet new people.

Benefit 3: Learn about differences in culture and values

Living together in a share house is a valuable opportunity to deepen your understanding of different cultures. By living with foreigners, you will be exposed to cultures and values ​​that are different from those of Japanese people, such as religion, food, lifestyle, and sense of time.

You may be surprised or confused at first, but this is actually an opportunity to broaden your horizons.

For example, by living with vegetarians or people with dietary restrictions for religious reasons, you will deepen your understanding of diversity. Furthermore, the skill of living while respecting differences is a very important ability in an international society. Such experiences will foster a global sensibility and can be used as "practical international experience" that will be useful for work or studying abroad.

Benefit #4: Become more sociable

Living in a share house with foreigners requires active communication in order to overcome cultural and language differences. As a result, you will naturally learn how to maintain a good distance from others and how to talk to them, and in many cases you will become more sociable than before.

In particular, when words are not clear, children will learn to use non-verbal communication such as gestures and facial expressions, which will help them develop expressiveness and empathy. In addition, by doing daily collaborative tasks (cleaning, cooking, shopping, etc.), children will develop a spirit of teamwork and consideration, which will also lead to improved interpersonal skills.

For those who want to overcome their shyness or improve their interpersonal skills, living in a share house with foreigners is a great opportunity for growth.

Disadvantages of living with foreigners in a shared house

Living in a share house with foreigners can mean unexpected misunderstandings and confusion in your daily life, especially due to differences in culture and language. In order to live comfortably together with other people, it is important to understand these issues in advance and take measures to deal with them.

From here on, we will introduce in detail the typical disadvantages that are likely to occur when living in a shared house with foreigners, as well as explain the things you should be careful about and the mindset you should have.

Disadvantages: Communication can be difficult

When living in a share house with foreigners, communication can be difficult due to the language barrier. Even if English is the common language, if the people living there are not native speakers, subtle nuances and expressions can be hard to convey, leading to misunderstandings.

For example, even if you think you have explained the rules of living and the division of cleaning duties clearly, it can cause trouble if the other person does not understand correctly. There are also cases where the conversation does not flow well and distance is created.

For those who are not confident in their English, there may be some stressful situations. Therefore, when choosing a share house to live in with foreigners, it is important to have an English support system, make use of translation tools, and have a positive attitude towards language exchange.

Disadvantages 2: Japanese common sense may not apply

When living together with foreigners, there are cases where Japanese common sense and manners do not always apply.

For example, things that are considered normal in Japan, such as taking off your shoes at the entrance, separating your trash before throwing it away, and using shared spaces quietly, may be things that the other person "didn't know" or "didn't think were important." These cultural differences can lead to discrepancies in lifestyles and values, which can be frustrating.

Additionally, behavior that is natural to foreigners, such as inviting friends over late at night or playing loud music, may be perceived as annoying by Japanese people.

When choosing a shared house, the key to living comfortably is to make sure that there are clear rules between residents.

Common problems when living with foreigners

Living in a share house with foreigners allows for multicultural exchange on a daily basis, but it is not uncommon for problems to arise in daily life due to differences in culture and customs.

for example,

• "I often bring friends or lovers into my room."
• "There is noise and footsteps late at night."
• "We often hold parties in the shared spaces."
• "I don't wash the dishes"
• "Leaving the table messy"
• "Leaving the bathroom door open"

This kind of behavior can sometimes be perceived as a nuisance by Japanese people, and differences in perception of everyday etiquette can also be a source of worry.

To prevent such problems, it is important to clarify the rules within the shared house in advance and, if necessary, coordinate with the management company and operating staff to set up a forum for discussion.

When living in a share house for foreigners, be aware that each roommate will have different common sense and values, and try to keep an open mind.

Important points to remember when living in a share house for foreigners

It is important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of living together with foreigners and then consider how to live together with them successfully. In order to live together with foreigners successfully, it is important to overcome language and cultural differences and deepen mutual understanding.

Here are three useful points to keep in mind when living in a share house for foreigners.

Don't deny the other person's values

Living in a share house with foreigners means you will be exposed to different cultures and customs on a daily basis. Behaviors and values ​​that are considered normal in Japan are often not so for the other person. Therefore, even if you come across a way of thinking that is hard to understand, it is important to first accept it without rejecting it and say, "That's one way of thinking."

For example, even if there are differences in religion, eating habits, how you spend your time, etc., you can build good relationships by respecting these differences. Unilaterally imposing Japanese rules and common sense on others can cause friction.

The key to making life in a share house with foreigners go smoothly is to enjoy diversity and deepen mutual understanding.

Actively communicate and listen to feelings

In a share house, small misunderstandings and miscommunications can lead to trouble. Especially when there are language or cultural differences, the idea that "they will understand without me having to say anything" doesn't work. If there's something that bothers you or something you want to ask, it's important to be proactive and communicate it, even in simple words.

In addition, by being willing to listen carefully to the other person's feelings and intentions, you can build trust. By confirming "why they do something" and "how they think" during the conversation, you can avoid unnecessary trouble.

Even if there is a language barrier, making an effort to communicate using gestures and translation apps will help build trust as you live together.

Not being sensitive to rules

Rules are important in communal living, but if you are living in a share house with foreigners, being too particular about the rules can become a source of stress. Because of differences in culture and values, there are times when "unspoken understandings" and "common sense" cannot be understood like between Japanese people.

Therefore, rather than expecting perfect compliance with the rules, you need to be flexible and accept the other person's behavior with a generous heart. Of course, you need to discuss things that may cause inconvenience to your life, such as how to use shared spaces and noise issues, but if you get too nervous about small things, it may actually strain your relationship.

It is important to have a sense of balance between sharing rules while maintaining a comfortable distance.

5 recommended real estate companies that operate share houses for foreigners

"I want to find a share house that accepts foreigners, but I don't know which company I can trust..." This article is for people like you who are looking for a share house that accepts foreigners, and introduces a carefully selected list of share house management companies with a proven track record that actively accept foreign tenants.

All of these services cater to needs such as improving language skills, international exchange, and multicultural coexistence. Be sure to check the support system, service area, and occupancy conditions when searching for a property that suits you.

1. Borderless House

" Borderless House " is an international exchange-style share house that has expanded to Tokyo, Kansai, Sendai, Korea, and Taiwan. The ratio of Japanese and foreign residents is adjusted to be half and half, allowing for multicultural exchange on a daily basis. Communication between residents is emphasized, making it perfect for those who value "learning" languages ​​and intercultural understanding. There is also a comprehensive support system, including online consultations and property introductions by staff.

2. Oakhouse

Oakhouse operates many share houses with a high international ratio of over 40% foreign residents. Many of the properties do not require a deposit, key money, or guarantor, and are recommended for those who want to keep initial costs down as they are fully equipped with furniture, appliances, and Wi-Fi. The site has a wide range of search functions to match your desired conditions, making it easy to find properties for foreign residents. In Tokyo, there are many properties in popular areas such as Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Ueno. You can search for properties while looking at the site map.

3. Sakura House

" Sakura House " is a monthly rental share house exclusively for foreigners, with approximately 1,000 rooms in Tokyo and Kyoto. You can search in detail, such as for properties for women only or properties within a 5-minute walk from the station. It is especially popular with short-term stays, international students, and business people on business trips, and can be flexibly contracted from one month units. There are English-speaking staff on staff, so those who are not confident in Japanese can use it with peace of mind. Inquiries and reservations for property viewings can be made smoothly through the website.

4. SHARE STYLE

SHARE STYLE operates share houses in Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, focusing on the ARDEN series, which has a high ratio of foreign residents, for people interested in language learning and international exchange. English conversation activities and events between residents are very popular, and it is recommended for those who want to learn English through actual conversation. The design places emphasis on interaction with sharemates, allowing you to truly experience "learning while living."

5. Ichii Group (J&F House)

J&F House , an international exchange-style share house that has been operating since 2000, has around 600 rooms across Tokyo and Osaka. It accepts residents from over 100 countries, making it the perfect place for those who want to build a multinational network. There is active interaction between residents, making it the perfect environment for deepening intercultural understanding and language skills. There is also a support system in place, so even first-time residents can feel at ease.

summary

Living in a share house with foreigners has many benefits, such as language learning, international exchange, and understanding diverse values. However, differences in lifestyle and manners can also cause misunderstandings, so flexible thinking and communication are important. Understanding others and having the attitude to enjoy cultural differences will make life in a share house richer and more meaningful.

If you want to hone your global sensibilities or build new relationships, be sure to consider a share house for foreigners.

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