You’ve moved to Miyazaki, or have been living here for a while, and are wondering just where you can go to meet up with Japanese people and foreigners alike, hoping to make some new friends.

I’ve got great news for you! Miyazaki is home to many groups of native Japanese and English speakers who meet up on a regular basis to give you the chance to meet new friends and practice your English or Japanese. Here are a few of them!

Eikaiwa Friends 

One of the largest and oldest groups for conversation cafes in Miyazaki, this group meets up once a week in order to chat and meet new people. Boasting well over 300 members, each conversation cafe draws in anywhere from 15 to 70 people! You’re guaranteed to meet someone new at these exciting and boisterous English conversation nights. 

The location rotates between three different cafes in downtown Miyazaki: 6 RACCOON, Hakoniwa Coffee, and 若草HUTTE and co-ba Cafe. 

The schedule for the month is sent to the a Line group chat each month, so make sure to ask an existing member to add you to the group so you can stay up to date. 6 RACCOON is always on Tuesday nights, while the other two are on Wednesday nights. 

How to join: joining is as easy as showing up to one of the conversation nights, or asking a friend to add you to the Line Group chat ahead of time. There are no membership fees, but there is a requirement for each cafe on how much you need to spend for the night so that they don’t lose money. 

6 RACCOON: please buy one drink and pay a 200円 fee

若草Hutte: 1000円 (includes 1 free drink as a thank you)

Hakoniwa: 1000円 (includes 1 free drink as a thank you)

Brunch Chatting

The second conversation cafe that is in Miyazaki focuses much more on allowing the participants to practice their English and their Japanese skills. English speakers are paired with native Japanese speakers, and then the groups are asked to speak in only English. After 15 minutes have passed, they are asked to speak in only Japanese. Each participant can decide of they’d like their partner to correct their mistakes, or just listen as they speak. Then, once another 15 minutes have passed, the groups are shuffled, and you begin the process again with a new partner!

Brunch chatting meets in two locations: Kent Miyazaki (建図宮崎) and 青島 Cafe Life. 

The sessions are held every Saturday, with the third Saturday usually being done at Cafe Life. 

How to join: Follow Brunch Chatting on Instagram, then apply through their link on their homepage. 

Miya Friends

An eikaiwa that focuses on bringing together foreigners and Japanese natives who are interested in learning about the Christian faith. Maybe you are a devout Christian who wants to find a community in Miyazaki, or maybe your are just curious about the faith and want to learn. Either way, you’re free to come and join the Eikaiwa where you will be able to learn phrases and idioms, learn about the bible, write, read, and just chat in English. Those who are not part of the Christian faith are welcome to join as well!

Miya friends meets at Nihonkirisuto Kyodan Church on Friday nights, at 7 pm

The meet-ups are free!

English conversation cafes are an amazing way to meet up with old friends and make new friends in the city. I hope to see everyone there!