Meeting Japanese People

[Azier the Swordsman]

In my quest to gain fluency in the Japanese Language, it is a serious stumbling block to me since I really have no actual Japanese people to converse with. Any suggestions for meeting Japanese people in my area? I really want to make a close Japanese friend where I live.

[Golden_Griff]

I don't know what's the best thing to tell you Azier but maybe you could find some people in a cultural chat room or something. Don't they have anime expos out there? That's probably more of an American (non-Japanese) activity but you might find someone out there by chance. Go to events that encourage a diverse audience. Sorry but I don't know anything else to say. But I would like to get to know some Japanese folk as well.

[Lynx]

you could get a forgien exchange student from japan come live w/ ya:)

[ClosetOtaku]

I'm not sure where in Texas you live. If you live near major Universities, I'd suggest contacting the Japanese Language Department (presuming one exists) and asking if there are any cultural organizations, clubs, or events you could attend. Are there any anime conventions nearby? Usually people who organize those events have contacts within the local Japanese communities. Finally, surfing the 'net for such answers is occasionally fruitful. Good luck!

[panegryst]

日本人ではありませんが、 二人で日本語で話しましょう。 ねえ、 アジアーさん？

[Azier the Swordsman]

Actually, I can't read Kanji yet. (Except for the word 'Nihongo'; I can read all kana as well) My Kanji course is only teaching the meanings now; readings come after.

As for the spoken part, I'm still in level I. Actually, I would be at level three already if I hadn't kept getting sidetracked the last couple of months. (Bad time mangement on my part) I've got my time better scheduled though, and I'm sticking with it to the end this time.

[panegryst]

oops, sorry. first kanji: nihonjin, japanese person.
second kanji: futari, a pair.
third kanji: nihongo
fourth kanji: hanasu, hanashi (masu), to speak. (note that this kanji is the same character as 'go' in 'nihongo'.)

full translation:
I'm not a Japanese person, but let's speak together in Japanese. Nee, Azier-san?