The reason I chose to live in a shared house is the convenience it offers.

Through my research, I learned how complicated it can be to rent an apartment in Japan, especially for foreigners like me.

Renting often requires paying three months’ worth of rent or more, depending on the lease terms. In addition, many apartments do not come with appliances, furniture, or other basic necessities for comfortable living. Utilities such as water, gas, and electricity are also usually not included in the monthly rent.

In contrast, with Share House 180, these concerns are minimized. The move-in cost was significantly more affordable compared to renting a private apartment. The room is already furnished with essentials such as a bed frame, bed, cabinets, table, and chair, and most importantly, it includes a refrigerator inside the room. Although the kitchen, bathroom, toilet, and washing machine are shared, they are well-maintained and equipped with useful appliances like a microwave, rice cooker, electric kettle, and kitchenware.
Lastly, utilities are fixed monthly, so I don’t have to worry about fluctuations in air conditioning, water, or gas usage.

Since I am naturally shy and enjoy spending time alone, I usually stay in my room on my days off from school and part-time work.
However, there are times when I want a change of environment, so I go to a library or coworking space to focus on studying.

The management also organizes monthly gatherings to encourage interaction among tenants in the share house. I occasionally attend when I have time, and through these events, I’ve had the chance to meet other tenants and make friends.

I clearly remember the first gathering I attended, which was a fireworks display in our city. One of the tenants arranged a spot where we could watch the fireworks together. At first, I was hesitant to go because I didn’t know anyone, but I gathered the courage since I wanted to experience a fireworks festival in Japan.

I’m glad I did, as it allowed me to socialize and build new friendships.

The Philippines is a tropical country with only two seasons: summer and the rainy season, while Japan has four distinct seasons.

After experiencing all four, I realized that I especially love winter and the snow. Since it does not snow in the Philippines, seeing and experiencing it for the first time felt truly magical to me. The cold weather, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful white landscapes made the experience even more memorable and special.

My best memory was the Itabashi fireworks festival. I was grateful that someone from the share house secured a great viewing spot, allowing me to fully experience what a traditional fireworks festival in Japan is like.

Although it lasted for more than an hour, I enjoyed every moment because I was not alone. I was able to share the experience with my new friends from the share house, which made it even more meaningful.

In the future, I would like to continue living in Japan. After living there for a year, I was able to appreciate its unique charm and great potential.

I find that Japan is a comfortable and suitable place for an introverted person like me. At the same time, I also enjoy spending time with friends and taking part in fun activities such as hiking.

One of my goals is to climb Mount Fuji someday.

For those who are planning to move into a share house, I highly recommend giving it a try. Living in a share house allows you to meet new people from different backgrounds while still having your own personal space.

As someone who enjoys quiet time but also values meaningful connections, I found it to be a perfect balance. You can join activities when you feel like socializing and still enjoy privacy. It is also a great way to create memorable experiences and friendships while living in Japan.

During my stay in the share house, one of the biggest changes in my life came from gradually stepping out of my comfort zone.

I have always been a quiet and introverted person who preferred to spend time alone. However, living in a share house encouraged me to interact more with others through simple daily conversations and shared activities.

Attending events like the Itabashi fireworks festival and joining occasional gatherings helped me become more open and confident.
These small but meaningful experiences slowly changed my perspective, showing me that building connections with others can be enjoyable and fulfilling.

Over time, this shift helped me grow into a more balanced person who can appreciate both solitude and social interaction.