INTERVIEW

【Resident Interview】How Social Apartment Helped Me Start My Life in Japan

2026-09-24

Have you ever wondered what life is really like at Social Apartment? Or what is it like to build a life and community in Japan as an international resident?

Hi, I’m Helena from Social Apartment, and I’m in charge of supporting international residents as they find their new home and community in Japan. Through my work, I’ve had the chance to meet many residents from all over the world and hear about their experiences living at Social Apartment.

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Kameel, who currently lives at Neighbors Yoga but began his journey in Japan at Neighbors Higashi-Jujo.

Now, after more than two years of living in the Social Apartment, Kameel shares his life experiences, best memories and how Social Apartment made him feel like home.

――Thank you for taking the time to sit with us for this interview! Can you briefly introduce yourself?

Kameel: Of course! My name is Kameel. I'm 33 years old and originally from Australia. I've been living in Japan for a little over two years, working as a mechanical engineer.

――When did you first come to Japan, and what brought you here?

Kameel: I first moved to Japan two and a half years ago, but my interest in the country goes back much further. I've been fascinated by Japan since I was young. When I visited for a holiday in 2018, I completely fell in love with the country, especially its beautiful nature.

At the time, I was already working for the same company I work for today, but in Australia. Before my trip, I told my team that I'd love the opportunity to meet our colleagues in Japan. They suggested I give a short presentation about my work in Australia, so I did.

Thankfully, the manager in Japan enjoyed my presentation and gave me his business card. We stayed in touch over the years and eventually the opportunity came to transfer to Japan. One thing led to another, and here I am!

――It really shows how unexpected doors can open through a conversation!

――What made you decide to move into Neighbors Higashi-Jujo?

Kameel: When I first came to Japan, I didn't know anyone. I wanted to live somewhere that is easy to meet people and become a part of the community.

What really attracted me to Social Apartment was the concept of the common lounge spaces. Compared to Australia, apartments in Japan are generally much smaller, so having spacious common areas where I could relax, work, and socialize at the same time was a huge plus. I thought it would be the perfect way to meet new people!

▲Participating in the dance battle event

――It sounds like you found much more than just a place to live. Looking back on your nearly two years at Neighbors Higashi-Jujo, what stands out most?

Kameel: That's a difficult question. I have so many great memories!　

Every week it is someone's birthday for example. There are events every now and then, and people often cook for each other. There's always something to look forward to in your daily living.

One of my favorite memories was our annual Bunkasai (文化祭), where residents shared different aspects of their cultures. Around the same time, a group of Disney fans in the property decided they wanted to put on a musical show. Since it was my first year in Japan, I thought, "Why not?" and joined the cast.

In the end, we performed in front of around 100 people, including former residents who visited the property to watch the show. Preparing for the musical brought everyone together and I made some really meaningful friendships through this experience.

――Wow! That is a huge group that you threw a show for! The experience must have been so memorable. How would you describe the community’s atmosphere?

Kameel: I really loved it. Everyone was incredibly friendly and welcoming.

To be honest, it can feel a little overwhelming at first because so many people come up to introduce themselves and say hello.

I also appreciated the balance between Japanese and international residents. It gave me the chance to make Japanese friends, which was something I had hoped for before moving to Japan.

Being surrounded by native speakers also helped me improve my Japanese a lot. I was always trying to speak the language myself and simply listening to the conversations happening around helped me pick up new words and expressions effortlessly.

▲A BBQ trip to Okutama with friends from Neighbors Higashi-Jujo

――Do you think it brought any changes in your life by time spent in Japan?

Kameel: Oh, 100%.

I think there is so much you can learn about Japan without getting to know local people. Because there were so many Japanese residents at the apartment, I got to experience everyday parts of Japanese culture that I probably wouldn't have otherwise.

For example, people would visit their hometowns and come back with Omiyage(souvenirs) to share with everyone. We'd talk about their families, traditions and what life was like growing up in different parts of Japan. Those conversations taught me a lot about Japanese culture.

A Deeper Understanding of Japan and a Lifestyle That Typical Apartment Living Couldn't Offer

――After building so many memories at Neighbors Higashi-Jujo, what motivated you to move to another Social Apartment property?

Kameel: Since I'm still relatively new to Japan, I wanted the chance to experience a different part of Tokyo. I was also looking for a place that was closer to my dance studio in Kawasaki, as the commute from Higashi-Jujo had become quite long.

Another thing that truly caught my attention was the multipurpose room at Neighbors Yoga. When I saw the room, I immediately thought it would be a great place to practice and continue my hobby.

Overall, the area just felt like a great fit for my current lifestyle, I just knew it!

――Moving can be a big change, even within the Social Apartment network. How was the experience of moving to another property? What differences have you noticed between the two communities?

Kameel: The biggest difference is the size of the community. Neighbors Yoga has about half the number of residents compared to the Higashi-Jujo and there are also fewer international residents.

Because of that, I'm really grateful that my Japanese improved so much while I was living at the Neighbors Higashi-Jujo. It made the transition so much easier and now I can communicate and build relationships with the residents here in Japanese.

The atmosphere is definitely different, too. Every Social Apartment has its own personality, and Neighbors Yoga has a more intimate feel to it. It also has more common lounges, which gives residents plenty of places to spend time together.

That being said, I still go back to Higashi-Jujo property to visit my old friends from time to time. Everytime I do, I'm reminded of how much I loved living there and leaving was definitely bittersweet.

――You've participated in many Social Apartment events. What made you start joining them?

Kameel: Honestly, I felt it would be a waste to live in a Social Apartment and not take advantage of the events.

If you only stay on your own property, you'll naturally get to know the people who live there. But by joining the events, you have the chance to meet other neighbors outside your community. That network is something very special and unique that Social Apartment has got to offer.

For example, I've even met people from the Social Apartment in Kyoto who traveled to Tokyo to join some of the events. It is a rare opportunity you can get in regular share houses, where your community is usually limited to the people living under the same roof.

――Which event has been your favorite so far, and why?

Kameel: That's a difficult one! There have been so many great events over the years.

If I had to choose, I'd say the dance battle at The Lively Azabu Juban Hotel. It was the first time I had ever performed at a Social Apartment event, so it felt absolutely special.

Leading up to the event, I spent a lot of time practicing and preparing. Of course, performing was exciting, but what made the experience even more memorable was what happened afterward. The dancers I competed against ended up becoming close friends.

In fact, at this year's Social Summer Outing event, all of us who had met through that dance battle came together to form a dance crew and perform as a team.

▲A scene of performing a dance with friends

――From everything you've shared, the Social Apartment sounds more than just a house. How has it affected your social life?

Kameel: It definitely made me a more social person because you are interacting with people everyday, especially if you spend time in the common areas.

I'm actually quite introverted, so I like putting myself in situations where I'm encouraged to socialize. It helped me become more comfortable talking to new people and I have realized that I genuinely enjoy making new connections.

One of my favorite things is coming down to the lounge and seeing people cooking together, chatting and just hanging out.

Moving to Japan was a big step for me because I arrived without any friends or family. Living at Social Apartment made me feel much less alone during those first months. Looking back, I really think it was the perfect place to start my life here in Japan.

――Finally, what would you say to someone who is considering moving into a Social Apartment?

Kameel: Before moving to Japan, I had never lived in a shared house. To be honest, I wasn't sure if shared living would suit me because I prefer a private setting.

What I discovered is that Social Apartment offers a perfect balance. You have your own private space, but at the same time, you can decide how much you want to socialize. If privacy is important to you, there are room types with private bathrooms, so you can find the setup that fits your lifestyle.

For me, it turned out to be a really unique experience. I've even spoken with Japanese residents who had never lived with other people before, and many of them told me they were so glad they gave it a try.

I honestly think it's one of those experiences everyone should have at least once if they get the chance. Looking back, I can't imagine a better way to have started my life in Japan!

(Interview & Text: Helena/ Photography: Maeda, Shoji )

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