Kaho-san moved to Tokyo from Shizuoka to attend university and has been living at Borderless House for four years.

After studying abroad in Canada during high school, she wanted to keep connecting with people from different backgrounds in her everyday life. She decided to move into Borderless House and start her new life in Tokyo.

There is a whole world you can only experience by living together – one you would never encounter through a typical university life,” says Kaho.

We spoke to her about the friendships, discoveries, and memorable experiences she’s had over her 4 years in Borderless House, living in 3 different share houses across Tokyo.

I chose Borderless House to continue my study abroad experience

Photo from one of our house parties!

―What made you decide to move into Borderless House when you started university?

I spent a year studying abroad in Canada during high school. When I came back to Japan, I felt it was such a waste that the ‘English-speaking version of myself’ disappeared from my daily life. So when I moved to Tokyo for university, I decided, If I’m going to live alone, I want to live in a share house where I can connect with people from around the world.

Also, since I came to Tokyo from Shizuoka during the COVID-19 pandemic, it was hard to make new friends at university. I really wanted to find a community.

Instead of studying English, I wanted to use it in my everyday life. Living together and naturally talking with people felt like a much better way to connect – and that is exactly what Borderless House gave me. I also strongly believed that living and interacting with different people through daily life would help me build closer relationships.

―Why did you choose Borderless House over other companies?

I actually looked into several other share house options too. But I felt that in places that were too big, somewhere between an apartment and a share house, it might be harder to build close, long-term relationships with others.

In contrast, Borderless House has a much closer atmosphere among residents, and most people are in their 20s, so it felt easy to connect. Also, since you can move between houses, you’re not limited to one community – you get the chance to meet many different people and perspectives, which really appealed to me.

I have always been a curious person, so living in an environment where I could interact with all kinds of people felt like the perfect fit for me.

Learning English you can actually use, not the kind taught in textbooks

↑A trip to Disneyland with my housemates!

―You mentioned studying abroad in high school. How was your English before moving into Borderless House?

When I first moved in, I was not too worried about my English. Since I was majoring in English at university, I already had a solid foundation. But living at Borderless House and studying at university gave me so many chances to naturally use the language. It really helped me improve my speaking and listening skills without even realizing it.

―That is amazing! After moving in, did you notice any changes in your English skills?

Yes, definitely! I feel like the range of my English expressions really expanded.

For example, when someone in the house was going through relationship troubles, or when little dramas happened, we would have deep talks over drinks. There were so many conversations that only people our age could have. I was able to experience topics and emotional expressions that never came up during my study abroad days in high school.

There were also times when I helped my American housemates who were studying Japanese. We would teach each other our languages and confirm things like, ‘Oh, so that’s what this phrase means!’ Those kinds of exchanges made me realize how fun learning a language can be.

―The typical Borderless House Experience! Did you have any worries or concerns about living in a share house?

Surprisingly, I felt more excitement than worry.

Since it was right when my university life was starting, I was really looking forward to seeing what kind of people I would meet and what kind of stories we would share. That sense of excitement was stronger than anything else.

Each Borderless House has its own unique vibe and that is what makes it so interesting. That is also why I decided to move and experience life in other Borderless Houses too.

Experiencing three different Borderless Houses, each with its own unique atmosphere

―You have lived in three Borderless Houses using the House Relocation System! What were each of them like?

My first house was Shinjuku Chuo House, a small one with up to eight people. I moved in right as my university life was beginning, so I was still figuring everything out like how to register for classes or where to go around the neighborhood. My older housemates kindly taught me how to register and showed me around. They really taught me how to ‘survive in Tokyo’ as a new student. They were like big siblings to me!

My second house, Ogikubo House, had a calmer atmosphere. At that time, there were slightly more international residents, and there were moments when Japanese did not quite work, so I had to rely on my own communication skills. That environment really helped me strengthen my communication abilities.

↑Flowing somen noodles at the house! Even small daily conversations become great chances to practice English

My third house was Shinjuku Nakai Share House. It had more residents, a lively atmosphere, and lots of events. Coincidentally, my older sister had lived there before me, so when I moved in, everyone was like, ‘The little sister has arrived!’ and welcomed me warmly.

― Each house has its own vibe – that is what makes it so fun! You really feel the difference in community atmosphere between houses, right?

Yes! I even organized exchange events between houses! We would connect Shinjuku Chuo share house and Ogikubo share house for dinner or drinks, sometimes at home and sometimes at a restaurant. Since I already had good relationships in both houses, it was easy to bring everyone together and those moments always reminded me how special this community is.

↑Everyone walking the full Yamanote Line loop – we finally reached the goal together!

Meeting people you would never meet in ordinary life! Deep bonds formed through living together

―Looking back on your time at Borderless House, is there any moment that left a strong impression on you?

There was a housemate who was half German and half Japanese, three years older than me, and we became really close. We would talk almost every night and even went on trips together. I was amazed at how deep our connection became just because we happened to live in the same place.

↑A photo of the two of us together

There were also so many people with completely different backgrounds from mine. Meeting people who lived freely with the mindset of ‘You can do what you want, whenever you want!’ really inspired me. It gave me the courage to take a gap year before job hunting to explore more of what I truly want to do.

At university, you tend to meet people with similar backgrounds and values. But at Borderless House, people of all ages, nationalities, and professions live together and that diversity itself makes even simple conversations exciting and eye-opening.

―Was there a moment when you felt you had grown or changed through your time at Borderless House?

When I first moved in, I used to just go along with what others said without thinking too deeply. But as I got to know people with so many different perspectives, I learned to form my own opinions and express them clearly. That is something I really feel I have grown into.

Lately, some of my housemates have even said, ‘You have really grown a lot.’ It makes me happy knowing there are people who have watched me since high school and are still here as I approach university graduation – people who have seen my journey over these four years.

―What do you love most about Borderless House?

The best part is meeting people you would never meet in everyday life. It is an experience you can only gain by taking that first step yourself.

Of course, there were times I was surprised or confused at first. To be honest, the houses are not super fancy or perfect, and since you are living with others, there can be a bit of stress sometimes. But the value you gain from it is so much greater than that. For me, it is more than just a ‘place to live’ it is a place full of growth, learning, and connection.

If you are even a little curious about it – just take the leap and give it a try!

A message to those thinking about moving into Borderless House

If you are already thinking about moving into Borderless House, I think that means you are someone with a curious and open mind. You might feel a little nervous at first, but before you know it, you will naturally adapt and feel comfortable living in this unique environment.

Since a share house is a place where you live, it also becomes a place where you return to. As you keep coming home to a house filled with housemates from all around the world, you will one day realize that you have already adapted without even noticing it. Don’t overthink it — just enjoy the experience.

After living here for four years, I can honestly say there have been so many moments when I thought, ‘I’m really glad I chose to live here.’

So, come and expand your world!