Practise Japanese: how to find a partner
We do not yet have two or more verified Japanese places in any one city, so we list none rather than guess. Here is how to find a Japanese practice partner today.
- Japanese Conversation Club - WrigleyvilleKonbini & Kanpai Wrigleyville, 3443 N Sheffield, STE 1Meetup →
Three ways to start
- Use the tandem programmes directory: universities, libraries and institutes that run exchanges. Open the page of your city and look for Japanese in the language column.
- Try the 10 hellos challenge. It includes Japanese greetings (konnichiwa, hajimemashite, ogenki desu ka?) you can use at your first meeting.
- In any mixed language café, ask the host whether a Japanese speaker comes. Offer your own language in return: a tandem is a swap, half the time each.
What to look for in a Japanese cultural centre or institute
- Whether it runs conversation hours or exchange evenings open to the public, not only classes.
- Whether the events are free or have a fee, and whether you must register: read the centre’s own page, not a third-party listing.
- The level: many events say beginner, intermediate or all levels. Pick one level below your comfort so you can speak.
- Japan Foundation runs Japanese-language centres in many countries; check its site for the one nearest to you.
Duolingo’s 2025 language report says Japanese became the fourth most studied language worldwide, ahead of German. Source: Duolingo 2025 Language Report
Coming alone — what to expect
- Language cafés are the easiest room to enter alone: everyone is there to talk to people they do not know, and the host seats you.
- Mixed levels are normal. Say your level once; nobody corrects you unless you ask.
- You do not need to be a learner: native speakers are the scarce resource and hosts love them.