I really dislike living alone and so a share house seemed like a really fun alternative where I could meet lots of different people.

On the weekend I usually spend time doing my hobbies, reading, or studying Japanese. During the weekdays, I often come home from work and spend the evening with my sharemates in the kitchen cooking, eating and talking or watching TV.

I get more free food! Haha, my sharemates are really generous, and often bring omiyage for everyone or bake.
I guess I cook more and eat proper meals more, compared to when I lived alone. Also I mainly speak Japanese with my sharemates, and they’ve taught me a lot of new words and phrases, and cultural stuff. They’ve also introduced me to some good restaurants and TV shows.

I want to try learning some other languages, beside just Japanese.
I’m planning on going backpacking across Southeast Asia this spring and I want to go to graduate school in a year or two from now.

I’ve stayed in several countries, and from my own experience, I always felt like I understood the people and culture of those countries much better after living together with them.
So I definitely recommend it to anyone staying for short or long periods here in Japan.
I think it will give you a unique and meaningful experience that would be hard to have living on your own.