Fukuoka is home to a growing community of people from all over the world and just as many locals curious to connect with them. I started this meetup to bring the two together as often as I can.
Everyone brings something different. Everyone leaves with something they didn’t expect. That’s the magic of in-person connection, and the internet can’t replicate it. Crossing just one national border changes everything: not only the language, but the cultural nuances, perspectives, and ways of thinking. Experiences like this are a powerful reminder of how much we grow when we step outside our usual circles and connect on a human level.
We take over an entire restaurant, just for us. No other customers, no one at the next table, nothing to be self-conscious about. If you have ever hesitated to speak a language you are still learning because of who might overhear, you will feel the difference the moment you walk in.
Looking forward to creating more spaces for cross-cultural connection right here in Fukuoka. Join us for the next one!
Just arrived in Fukuoka, or still thinking about it? There is more here on living and learning Japanese in Fukuoka.
Voices from the meetup
Travis
United States
“I recently moved to Fukuoka and joined because I wanted to meet people. Yoshi-san is a great host, and I’ve really enjoyed meeting other foreigners and locals learning English. I was worried I wouldn’t find other foreign professionals here, but everyone has been so friendly, and it’s a great chance to practice my Japanese too.”
Miki
South Korea
“What I’ve enjoyed most is connecting with people from different parts of the world through language. I love discovering how differently we express ourselves, and then finding the little things we have in common. For me, IDM is not just a place to practice languages. It’s a place where I meet different people, share cultures and values, and keep expanding my own world.”
Kazu
Japan
“IDM (International Dunkman Meetup) is more than just language exchange for me. Talking with people from diverse backgrounds really opened up my mindset. Come join us and let’s be friends!”
Alicia
Spain
“Moving to Fukuoka was challenging at first, so building a strong community became essential. Yoshi-san is a fantastic host who welcomed me from day one and is always planning new activities for the group. The atmosphere is genuinely friendly and uplifting, which makes it the perfect place to meet both foreigners and locals while practicing Japanese and other languages.”
Roland
Switzerland
“I enjoy meeting people from different backgrounds and hearing how they found their way to Japan and how they’re building their lives here. Even after years in Fukuoka, it still gives me ideas and things I could approach differently, or do better.”
Rieko
Taiwan
“I saw one of Yoshi-san’s posts on Threads, and since I was planning a working holiday, I came along. I could barely speak any English, so I brought a friend with me. I still remember that day so clearly, talking with people from all over. I kept coming back and made friends from abroad. It made me want to talk more, and that’s when I started studying English.”
Matthias
South Africa
“The meetups are fun and chilled. I got to meet people from all over the world and I made new friends. It’s always a nice and relaxed atmosphere, so you don’t need to worry about anything. You can join at your own pace.”
Park
South Korea
“I joined this meetup because I wanted to make friends after coming to Japan. I was a little worried at first because I’m quite introverted, but everyone was so friendly and started conversations with me. Thanks to this meetup I’ve made great friends, practiced Japanese, and shared languages and experiences with people from different backgrounds.”
Junya
Japan
“Yoshi, who hosts the community, is super warm and welcoming, which naturally draws in so many interesting people from all over the world. I’m Japanese, but since I only recently moved to Fukuoka, I’m really happy to be part of the IDM community and connect with everyone here!”
Mario
Spain
“I’m very grateful to have been part of such a great group. The atmosphere is fantastic, and everyone is genuinely kind and friendly. It’s a great way to meet people from different countries, make new friends and share experiences. Yoshi-san is a great host and is always looking for new and interesting activities for everyone to enjoy.”
Jake
United States
“Dunkman Yoshi is a great way to interact with Japanese people and foreigners from all around the world. You meet new people every event while exploring Fukuoka together. I definitely recommend it to anyone that’s new to Fukuoka.”
I sat down with some of them for longer. You can read those in Voices from Fukuoka.
Not just sitting and talking
Most meetups happen around our own table, but not all of them.
Board game nights
Some evenings we clear the table and play. Blokus, card games, whatever someone brings along. If you are still finding your confidence in Japanese or English, this is the easiest way in: you play first, and the talking takes care of itself.
Yoga and walks by the bay
When the weather is good we head outside instead. Yoga on the sand, a walk along the water, and the same mix of people you would meet at any other gathering.
Coming up
A cinema in Fukuoka and a restaurant nearby
We watch Odyssia together and have lunch as well. You do not have to talk through the film itself, so this is an easy one to join for the first time.
A restaurant in Hakata, booked out just for us
Our usual gathering. We take the place over entirely, so there is no one at the next table and nothing to be self-conscious about. Speak Japanese, English, or both. The cover is 100 yen, plus one drink order.
The exact place and the details for the day go out in the LINE group. Join below and we will send them to you.
Please note: the day, the place, and the cover can change from week to week. Check the latest post on the socials below before you head over.
Join the community
And if it turns out not to be your thing, you can leave the group any time. No need to say why.
Contact the organizer directly
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