
Despite the massive decline of pen pal writing’s popularity, there is still a good number of websites - this just goes to show that there is still a good number of people looking for strangers to write to. These websites are not entirely limited to posting ads by Japanese individuals, but their goal is to rather bring together people from different races. There are plenty of websites that allow users to find other individuals who are seeking for penpals.
Snail mail pen pals for adults how to#
How To Meet Japanese Pen Pals Online: Free Penpal Websites These are usually small tokens of friendship that can range from city key chains, ref magnets, to home-crafted foods. It is common to attach small memorabilia along with every letter, note or postcard. The feeling of receiving a tangible postcard can never be replaced by photos sent through e-mail or Viber.Īside from postcards, some pen pals engage in conversation through snail mail so they may add some extras to their document. For many, the idea of sending postcards is still extremely romantic - even in a platonic aspect.

There are several reasons why snail mail is still alive to this day, living its last breath.Ī good portion of those who communicate with pen pals through snail mail usually include memorabilia such as stamps and postcards. What’s interesting is that snail mail is still a popular medium. Looking at today’s advanced technology, there are endless options on how to communicate with others through social media, messaging apps, and other Internet-powered services. Is Snail Mail Still Common With Japanese Pen Pals? More so for the Japanese, who are not the best at speaking in English, being in constant communication with someone who speaks English by reading and writing can surely make a difference in personal English-speaking skills, whether intended or subconsciously. It is old school, but some people are lucky enough to have success in the romantic department - a la You’ve Got Mail.ĭespite the varying motives to converse with pen pals, a major advantage of this is not just for social fulfillment, but it also allows one to practice their verbal abilities through writing. Some still believe in finding their soul mate in the form a stranger thousands of miles across the world. In some parts of the world, the idea of exchanging romantic letters and e-mails with a stranger is still considered to be more romantic than joining Tinder. The internet is already a gold mine of information about traveling to Japan, however, it is still interesting to know the insights coming from a local. On the other hand, it is also common for foreigners to contact pen pals living in Japan for some travel tips. For example, someone who is undecided about taking a trip to a distant European country may talk to someone who lives there for some advice. This is an ideal set-up for a majority of the Japanese population who feels that they do not have any more time to interact with the outside worlds.Īnother advantage of having a pen pal is to learn not just about their culture, but their country in general. In a way, pen pals serve as low-maintenance friends whom you get to share thoughts to once in awhile, without the tedious task of constantly communicating, going out and being in each others’ lives. Some appreciate criticisms on their photography portfolio coming from strangers who do not now them and would not feel obliged to sugar coat their insights. Some may find comfort in exchanging local recipes with an Italian, whom he or she may exchange cooking styles with. On the other hand, some are just looking into sharing their personal interests. However, not all of the Japanese seeking pen pals are lonely. However, depression is truly widespread in Japan. It is baffling, how a country so modern, advanced, polite, and morally upright could be suffering from loneliness.

One of the plausible reasons why Japanese, especially the middle-aged to elderly wish to engage in writing to strangers is because of loneliness.

There are some interesting statistics behind the Japanese’ motive behind seeking pen pals. The demographic of Japanese pen pals vary a lot, from young children aged below ten, young adults, middle-aged individuals, and lastly, the elderly. Why The Japanese Still Make Friends Through Pen PalsĬompared to neighboring Asian countries, searching for pen pals among other nations is more common in Japan that in any other country. For a country as advanced and modern as Japan, where the internet is as fast as lightning, and computer models are replaced every month, it is odd to find that the concept of pen pals is very much alive. However, it is quite surprising to find that pen pals still exist in some parts of the world, including Japan. Overall, the idea of pen pals seems to be completely outdated.

Snail mail is also on the brink of death because it has been replaced by smartphones and computers.
