Connect with Japanese people

Otonari-san Family Friend Program (OFP)

The Otonari-san Family Friend Program (OFP) is,
This is an exchange program that connects foreigners living in Japan with Japanese volunteer neighbors living in the community.
Through one-on-one interaction over six months, practice Japanese and become familiar with Japanese life and culture,
This is a communication support program to help you become familiar with the community.

Join the Program
(For foreign participants)

For those who wish to volunteer as Japanese volunteersClick here

Do You Share Any of These Concerns?

  • I want to be able to speak Japanese better
  • I have no one to casually ask about parenting and childcare
  • I want friends who can teach me about Japanese culture and customs
  • Having trouble reading handouts from the daycare or school
  • I have no opportunities to meet Japanese people outside of work
  • I Want to Learn More About Living and Working in Japan
Enjoy Life in Japan Even More!

Benefits of the Otonari-san Family Friend Program (OFP)

Gain a Deeper Understanding of Japan

Japan has its own unique lifestyle, culture, customs, and societal rules, but your Otonari-san is a pro at living in Japan. He or she can help you with things you don't understand in daily life, share insight concerning topics you would like to know more about, offer practical tips, and teach you about Japanese culture.

Improve Your Japanese

Your Otonari-san naturally teaches you Japanese used in everyday life and can be a conversation partner for your language learning. As long as you have someone to readily practice with, your Japanese will improve rapidly.

Make Japanese Friends

Otonari-san will be a supporter and a good friend. Not just a school or workplace relationship, but through a friendship with a Japanese person you will discover a new world and expand your possibilities.

Children Can Make Japanese Friends Too

By enjoying your time together, such as going out together or playing in the park with Japanese families, not only parents, but children can also make friends with their Japanese peers.

Reach Out Anytime

For those living abroad, meeting someone you can easily ask advice of is a stroke of luck. Seemingly minute uncertainties about hospitals, banks, parks, and schools can accumulate and lead to significant anxiety. Otonari-san will kindly respond to your questions.


Learn About Your Community

The best way to live comfortably in a new place is to become part of the local community. Your Otonari-san can share great local spots not found in tourist guidebooks, as well as recommend trustworthy hospitals and provide information about community events.

Other Benefits
You can also consult with professionals such as doctors, lawyers, judicial scriveners, public health nurses, interpreters, and teachers.
We also hold Japanese language workshops and networking events.

40+

From countries and regions
Foreign Participants

400+

Otonari-san
(Japanese Volunteer)

10+

Available Languages

This is a reliable program! I can find the perfect Otonari-san for me, and I always enjoy our interactions.
(Vietnam, 6 years in Japan, company employee)

It's so much fun to share and introduce cultures with Otonari-san! They are very helpful in kindly teaching me about Japanese life and language.
(USA, 7 years in Japan, company employee)

I was relieved to be able to casually ask and quickly find out if the contents of the bento I bought were suitable for my dietary restrictions.
(Djibouti, 1 year in Japan, graduate student)

I was so happy that you went to the Maternity and Baby Festival with me during my pregnancy!
(Spain, 1 year in Japan, family stay)

When I was looking for books written in simple Japanese, I wasn't sure which ones to choose, but my Otonari-san helped me find some that seemed good.
(China, 1 year in Japan, company employee)

They speak in slow Japanese, making it very easy to converse.
(India, 1 year in Japan, company employee)

I received recommendations for shops and tourist spots that can't be found on the internet.
(China, 2 years in Japan, vocational school student)

We enjoy spending time together by going shopping for clothes and having meals.
(Nepal, 1 year in Japan, Japanese language school student)

The Structure of OFP

The Otonari-san Family Friend Program (OFP) pairs foreign residents living in the community with Japanese volunteers (Otonari-san) for a six-month period. This one-on-one exchange provides communication support to help participants practice Japanese, acclimate to Japanese life and culture, and integrate more easily into the community.

Engage in direct activities for 6 months (Volunteer ⇔ Foreign participant)

  • Activities can be done from about 2 hours a week
  • Conveying information about daily life and Japan
  • Go out together to community activities and events
  • Converse in Japanese
  • A friendship-like relationship

Support for Volunteers (JII)

  • Regular follow-up
  • Consultation about support
  • Information Provision
  • Interaction Among Volunteers
  • Trouble Response

Support for Participants (JII)

  • Provision of Living Information
  • Consultation Desk
  • Expert Consultation
  • Exchange Events

Expert Team

Lawyers, administrative scriveners, doctors, tax accountants, labor and social security attorneys, teachers, nurses, and others

We realize beneficial activities in a safe and secure manner

How to Participate

OFP is not just about creating encounters with foreigners.
We carefully match participants based on various factors to facilitate building good and lasting relationships.
90% of participants* wish to continue their interactions as friends even after the activities have ended.
*Based on the survey responses after the activity

1. Application

  • Free Application
  • You will receive an invitation to the information session *Participation in the information session is mandatory

2. Information Session & Hearing

  • Free Participation in Information Session
  • After the information session, if you wish to participate, please register officially (registration fee 1,000 yen per person)
  • After registration, you can participate in activities for OFP members.

3. Matching

  • Introduce pair candidates based on registration details
  • After the interview, the pair is formed with mutual agreement
  • After the pair is formed, pay the membership fee (3,000 yen per person)

4. Activities

  • Activities as a pair for 6 months
  • Support from coordinators during the period
  • Expert support available as needed

Participation Requirements Terms of Use
・Foreign residents living in Japan (Tokyo 23 wards + surrounding areas)
・In Japan for approximately 8 years or less (Participation is possible even if you have been here for more than 8 years, depending on individual circumstances. Please consult with us separately.)
・Individuals aged 18 and over (adults)

Registration Fee and Membership Fee Waiver System
A reduction system can be applied for those with special circumstances.
Examples of Application
– Refugees and displaced persons: Waiver of registration and participation fees
– For those in circumstances including, but not limited to: disability, illness, being a single-parent or non-taxable household, having unstable employment or suffering a significant financial burden, registration fees are waived, and membership fees are halved.
– Students with significant tuition burdens, such as those utilizing scholarships: registration and membership fees are half price
– If other reasonable accommodations are needed: Individual consultation

Registration Fee (one-time upon registration) : 1,000 yen / person
・Applications and information sessions are free
・After understanding the activities, pay the fee to be officially registered.
After registration, you can participate in various activities for OFP members.
(e.g., member networking events, circles, etc.)

Membership Fee (upon pairing): 3,000 yen/person
・The speed and success of pairings varies based on individual conditions, so neither aspect can be guaranteed.
・A pair is formed when both parties agree to partner, and the membership fee will then be charged.
Payment Methods: Credit Card, Bank Transfer, etc.
・The activity period for one pair is six months
Dedicated coordinators and experts provide support during activities
- Share the status of regular activities through a monthly survey and receive appropriate support.

Join the Program
(ForeignersParticipants(for)

For those who wish to volunteer as Japanese volunteersClick here

Program Promises (Rules)

Things You Can't Ask Otonari-san to Do

・Help with household chores
・Care for children and pets
・Financial Support
・Meal preparation and cleanup
・Run errands like shopping, going to the bank, or visiting the post office
・Provision of housing and accommodation
etc.
You cannot impose labor or financial burdens.

Participation for the purpose of romantic relationships, dating, or sexual encounters is not allowed.

Here are some of our "neighbors"

I am studying international relations at university. I joined because I am interested in how foreigners can adapt to and be accepted by Japanese society.

By engaging with foreigners in a family setting, I hope my children can experience that there are many different values in the world and that not everyone speaks Japanese.

When I lived abroad, I received a lot of help from the locals who taught me various things, so now I want to do something for foreigners living in Japan. Understanding cultural and customary differences can ease the mind a bit and make it easier to live here.

Even if you understand Japanese, it can be overwhelming when you're sick. Especially if you don't know anyone and don't understand the language, it can be even more anxiety-inducing. It would be reassuring to have someone to ask which hospital to go to when you're unwell.

I know some foreigners who returned to their country without making any friends while living in Japan, and that's very disappointing. Since they came all the way to Japan, I hope foreign residents can experience moments that make them feel glad they came.

I enjoy experiencing different cultures and values from abroad. I want to become friends who can share our cultures and have a great time together.

Join the Program
(For foreign participants)

If you would like to become an Otonari-san (Japanese volunteer), please click here

Experience Interview

Support Us with a Donation

Our activities are made possible by your participation and support.
You can support our activities in numerous ways.

See donation details

Contact Us

Feel free to contact us with any questions, inquiries, interview requests or feedback.
Our office will respond to your inquiry as soon as possible

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