Choose your interests
Reading, cooking or another hobby can give your first letter a starting point. Add the languages you use or are learning to help Mochi look for Japanese pen pals.
Japanese pen pals
Japanese pen pals
You can meet Japanese pen pals on Sea Pals through shared interests and languages. Letters give you a way to get to know each other through everyday stories, from a favourite snack to a quiet weekend.
今日はお茶を飲みながら手紙を書いてるよ。そっちはどんな一日だった？Sea Pals at a glance
- Price
- Free
- Works on
- iPhone, Android and the web
- App languages
- English · 한국어 · 日本語 · Deutsch · Português (Brasil) · Español · Русский · Türkçe · Bahasa Indonesia · Tiếng Việt · ไทย · Italiano · Français · Polski
- Minimum age
- 13+ · 14+ in South Korea · 16+ in Australia
- Translation
- Built-in, on supported devices and language pairs
How to make pen pal friends
Write in English or Japanese
Share an ordinary part of your day and ask about theirs. Let your friend’s interests guide the conversation as you get to know each other.
Make a friend
Accept a letter to become friends and let the conversation grow from what you both enjoy. Write in a shared language, with a little Japanese if you like.
What to write about
To get to know a Japanese pen pal, exchange everyday stories and give your friend room to talk about interests beyond Japan.
- Describe a snack you like and ask what your friend enjoys.
- Explain a small seasonal tradition in your own home.
- Share something you are reading.
- Ask how your friend uses a greeting you have come across.
- Describe a relaxing day.
Words you’ll see
Everyday Japanese words between friends include thanks, encouragement and casual goodbyes; a first letter can use the more polite forms.
| Term | Reading | Meaning and use |
|---|---|---|
| ありがとう | arigatou | Thanks; ありがとうございます is more polite. |
| お疲れさま | otsukaresama | Acknowledges someone’s effort; often used after work or an activity. |
| またね | mata ne | See you; a casual goodbye. |
| 本当？ | hontou? | Really? A casual question expressing surprise. |
| いいね | ii ne | That’s nice, or I like that. |
| 友達 | tomodachi | Friend. |
Questions
Can I choose Japan?
Shared interests and languages can help you meet Japanese pen pals. You cannot choose a country or a particular person.
Do I need to speak Japanese?
No. You can start in English or another shared language, and use the app’s translation feature to help you read replies.
Is it safe for teens?
Teens 13–17 only meet other teens, subject to country minimum ages.