Japanese conversation starter

Food · 20 minutes

1. Say hello · 3 min

   Start with a small detail from your day and give your partner time to answer.

2. Trade stories · 10 min

   忙しい日は何を作りますか？ (What do you cook on a busy evening?)

   誰に教えてもらいましたか？ (Who taught you to make it?)

   初めて食べる友達には、どうやって出しますか？ (How would you serve it to a friend who had never tried it?)

   Answer the first question yourself after your partner has had a turn.

3. Compare experiences · 4 min

   Each person names one detail that felt familiar and one that surprised them. Ask about the person’s own experience.

4. Pick up next time · 3 min

   Thank each other and choose a detail you’d like to hear more about if you speak again.

If you get stuck

ちょっと考えてもいいですか？ (Can I take a moment to think?) Then share your own example. If you missed their words, try もう一度お願いします (Once more, please).