Recommedations for finding Japanese penpal/penfriend?

[gelfling9]

Hi all!

I've had an interest in Japan and Japanese culture since I was 18 (nearly some 20 years ago...) as my children are starting to grow and go into full time education, I'm thinking about careers and my next moves. Japan has always in the background of my mind...I love the sound of the language, the music, the food and film (and of course anime) and am looking to take little steps into doing something more with this interest.

I am thinking about starting to learn Hiragana and I know I would eventually like to visit Japan in the next few years (my brother has already been twice and is making plans for a third visit this year - but will be taking his girlfriend, not his sister!^^)

I would like to communicate with a person in Japan with the hope of developing a genuine friendship THAT IS NOT A DATING SITE! So far, internet searches have only resulted in this. So, does anyone know of any genuine, friendship-penpal sites that they can provide a link for?

Thanks so much!^^

[Cicada]

Go to japan-guide.com, go to the classifieds section, and make a post for friendship or language exchange.

I'd include a line at the end that you're looking for friendship and not romance, or that you're only interested in communicating with other girls.

[gelfling9]

Originally Posted by Cicada

Go to japan-guide.com, go to the classifieds section, and make a post for friendship or language exchange.

I'd include a line at the end that you're looking for friendship and not romance, or that you're only interested in communicating with other girls.

Thanks so much for your reply and the link - I've already taken a look and am suprised at the number of people, in particular my age group, looking to do the same!^^

This is exactly what I was looking for so thanks again for the pointer!

[skankfish]

Japan Guide and more: AccessJ: Want a Japanese Penpal? Here's How to Find and Make One. there's also another post about how to KEEP penpals, which is often the hardest part.

[KeithT]

I don't mean to bump an old thread (well, technically I do) but I was just about to ask this very question and saw this. Thanks for the tip to check out Japan-guide. I just registered. I can't wait to get talk with people from Japan since I'm currently learning Japanese. Arigatou!