Is this friend app really effective?

If you are in your 20s or 30s in Tokyo, you may see Timeleft ads on Instagram. Often, a group of young people grinning at dinner with wine glasses in their hands, these photos look more like your friend’s recap of an interesting night than an ad.

Timeleft’s premise sounds interesting, albeit a bit tacky. According to the app’s Instagram account, it’s “a new way for people without expectations.” “Every Wednesday, we gather at strangers around the table, seize the opportunity, share our stories and open up to each other.”

The concept certainly aroused curiosity, but not everyone is brave enough to risk the potential awkwardness of possible getting to know a bunch of strangers through the app. Also, this is all logistics. How do you match? Who pays? Is it safe?

Fortunately, one Tokyo weekendThe trustworthy source is very friendly and can provide some details about her experience attending Timeleft parties. Meet Nozomi, a 27-year-old Connection who works in advertising.

Timeleft Participant Interview

Can you tell us yourself?

I’m Japanese, but I was born in Kobe and grew up in the United States. I returned to Japan, spent middle school and high school students in Kansas, and went to Australia to attend college. Some of my hobbies are Pilates – I hold group classes in English every month – podcasts (about topics such as careers, relationships, beauty and fashion for girls in their 20s) and travel. I’ve lived in Tokyo for two years and so far, I love it! There are a lot to do.

What do you like most in Tokyo? What are the challenges of living here?

The city feels big and you can meet so many people. Even though I am Japanese and live more than half of my life here, it feels new. But as a young professional, sometimes all you do is to get off work between home and office – you know, home, office, home, office. Then, on the weekends, you’re so exhausted that you just want to rest and stay at home, not really branching.

When you work in Australia, are people more willing to make new friends?

Yes, after going through Western culture, I do sometimes think it’s hard to meet new people in Tokyo. Often, I think as an adult, many people are less interested in expanding their existing group of friends. They are already satisfied with their circle.

For me, I know I have had a lot of school friendships – they are my closest friends and we have known each other for over a decade. However, I still want to branch out and expand the circle, especially because I teach Pilates. My vision is to create a community that is phased out by the international community this year.

How did you first encounter Timeleft?

Even if I live in Australia, I see ads on social media and on websites. But I always thought it was a scam, so I never had the courage to sign up. After I kept seeing targeted advertising in Japan, I just decided to do it.

How does it work?

After downloading the app, you do a brief personality test and then select locations in some areas of the city. I chose Meguro or Ebisu. Then, you decide whether to have supper or drink. The party is for girls only on Wednesday or the most recent Tuesday.

You can choose your budget from three levels, dietary preferences, and preferred language. I chose Japanese and English. You also have to pay to participate – one-time participation, excluding meals, price is 1,890 days, and monthly subscription is 2,290 yen.

A few days before the dinner date, you will receive notifications from the app about the group, including the nationality and occupation of the other four, as well as details of the restaurant. You cannot contact anyone in advance; you only need to show up in the restaurant.

It seems so disturbing, like a blind date.

Yes, really. You have no clues. You may even meet someone you know.

How did it unfold at night?

I think I’m an extrovert, but I’m honestly nervous. It feels like a first date. But when I showed up in the restaurant, we were all able to connect immediately. We may be helpful in speaking in English rather than Japanese. I often feel like I can get closer to people faster when talking in English. My group has three Japanese girls, a kiwi man and a Taiwanese girl.

We have just begun introducing ourselves and asking basic questions about our work, background and hobbies. The app also gives us icebreaker questions like “What do you want to do on your last day on Earth?” I think we were lucky with the team chemistry, so none of us felt embarrassed. After dinner we received a notice about the second location, namely the bar in tencups, Shibuya.

What is the number of gatherings in the second location? Is it just your group?

no. Timeleft basically formed a group of people who also had dinner around Ebisu for more mixing opportunities. The entire bar space was rented; we only had to pay for our drinks.

Interestingly, I did notice that not every group is as friendly as we do. So I do think group chemistry might be hit or missed. You can also choose to give up the second position. A girl in my group felt very tired and went home after dinner.

Are your group planning to meet again?

Yes, we exchanged contact information and had an online chat immediately. We had plans to play golf and some of them wanted to join my Pilates class. Last month we put the group together with another group and this month we have another family gathering.

So it’s definitely not a one-time outing, which is great. I also know that one girl met another at a temporary party and they found themselves really close. Now they are basically best friends.

Will you go to another highlight party?

Yes! I definitely want to. I have recommended it to many friends abroad. If you want to meet more people outside of your job and your close friends, I think Timeleft is a great tool.

Do you think the app will be successful in the long term?

I can see it lasting for a long time, especially because today’s connections and social interactions rely heavily on digital avenues. I think face-to-face parties will become more and more valuable!

Follow Nozomi on Instagram @nozzzieeeSunday Brunch Club Podcast @SBC_Podcast And check out her bilingual Pilates course @noz_pilates.

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