Hosting a Japanese Exchange Student: Tips and Japanese for Host Families
Hosting a Japanese exchange student goes best when you plan for three things: language, food and unspoken expectations. Most Japanese students have studied English for years but may be shy to speak at first, so simple English, patience and a few Japanese words help them relax. Agree house rules on day one, ask about food and routines rather than waiting to be told, and remember that “yes” sometimes means “I didn’t quite understand”.
Before they arrive
- Send a short welcome message with photos of your family, home and their room.
- Ask about allergies, foods they’re used to and anything they’re nervous about.
- Prepare a one-page sheet of house rules in simple English, with key words in Japanese if you can.
- Learn to pronounce their name properly; see names in Japanese for how Japanese names work.
A few Japanese words go a long way
| Japanese | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ようこそ！ | Welcome! |
| おなかすいた？ | Are you hungry? |
| 大丈夫？ | Are you OK? |
| ゆっくり休んでね。 | Get some rest. |
| いただきます／ごちそうさま | Said before and after a meal. |
Communication tips
- Ask open questions. “Do you understand?” almost always gets “yes”. Try “What time will you be home?” instead.
- Write things down. Many students read English better than they listen to it.
- Don’t mistake quiet for unhappy. Japanese students may wait to be invited rather than ask. See how to say no in Japanese for why direct refusals are rare.
- Check in privately, not in front of the whole family.
Food and daily life
Japanese students are often used to rice at most meals, smaller portions, a daily evening bath and taking shoes off indoors. They will usually adapt happily, but asking what they like and cooking together is a great way to bond. Expect them to be very tidy and to want to help; give them simple tasks so they feel part of the family.
Gifts and saying goodbye
Most students bring a gift for the family (お土産). Before they leave, a photo album or handwritten card means a lot. Many families stay in touch for years; our guide to thank-you letters to a host shows the kind of letter they may send you.
Talking with their parents
Parents may want a short call or message, and their English may be limited. A polite message in Japanese, or an interpreter for a call, can reassure them a lot.
How Hanabuddies can help
A native tutor can teach your family the Japanese words and customs that make a student feel at home, in a lesson or two before they arrive. We can also translate your house rules and welcome letter, and interpret a video call with the student’s parents.