Timeleft Japan Review: Does This Friend App Really Work?

If you’re in your 20s or 30s and living in Tokyo, you’ve likely stumbled upon ads for Timeleft on social media. These advertisements typically showcase groups of young people laughing and enjoying dinner together, resembling a friend’s lively recap of a fun night out rather than a typical app promotion.

Timeleft promises a unique experience: “a new way of meeting people without expectations.” According to its Instagram account, the app facilitates gatherings where strangers can come together to share stories and connect. While the concept is intriguing, it raises several questions: How does the matching process work? Who covers the costs? Is it safe to meet strangers through an app?

At a Glance

• Target Audience: Young adults in Tokyo
• Cost: ¥1,890 for a single event; ¥2,290 monthly subscription
• Gatherings: Weekly dinners and drinks, primarily on Wednesdays
• Language Options: English and Japanese
• Experience: Participants share personal stories and engage in icebreakers

Meet Nozomi: A First-Hand Experience

To provide insight into the Timeleft experience, we spoke with Nozomi, a 27-year-old advertising professional from Tokyo. Originally from Kobe, Nozomi spent part of her childhood in the United States and later attended university in Australia. After returning to Japan, she found herself in a familiar yet new environment.

“The city feels so big, and you can meet such a wide variety of people,” Nozomi explains. However, she also notes the challenges of meeting new friends as an adult. “As a young professional, it often feels like I’m just commuting between home and work. On weekends, I’m usually too exhausted to go out and meet new people.”

Despite having a solid circle of long-term friends, Nozomi wanted to expand her social network, particularly as she teaches Pilates and aims to create an international community around it.

Taking the Plunge: Downloading the App

After seeing Timeleft ads repeatedly while living in Australia, Nozomi initially dismissed the app as a scam. However, upon moving back to Japan, she decided to give it a chance. “I downloaded the app and took a short personality test. Then I selected a location in Meguro or Ebisu and chose whether I wanted dinner or drinks. The gatherings are primarily on Wednesdays, with a girls-only event on Tuesdays.”

Participants can choose their budget from three tiers, dietary preferences, and preferred languages. Nozomi opted for Japanese and English. It costs ¥1,890 for a one-time participation fee, excluding meal prices, or ¥2,290 for a monthly subscription.

Days before the event, users receive a notification detailing their group, which includes the nationalities and occupations of the other participants, as well as the restaurant information. However, there’s no communication allowed prior to the event, adding an element of surprise.

Arriving at the Gathering: First Impressions

Nozomi describes her feelings of nervousness upon arriving at the restaurant: “I consider myself an extrovert, but I was honestly so nervous. It felt like a first date.” However, once seated, she and her group quickly connected. The group consisted of three Japanese women, one New Zealander, and one Taiwanese woman. They began by introducing themselves and discussing their jobs, backgrounds, and hobbies.

“The app provided icebreaker questions, like ‘What would you want to do on your last day on earth?’” she recalls. The chemistry among the group helped ease any awkwardness, leading to a pleasant dinner experience.

Beyond Dinner: The Social Scene

After dinner, Timeleft organized a second location for mingling, a rented bar space in Shibuya called TenCups. This allowed participants from different dinner groups to interact. Nozomi noted, “Not every group was as friendly as ours, so I think group chemistry can be hit or miss. You can also choose to skip the second location if you prefer. One girl in my group felt tired and went home after dinner.”

Despite the potential for varied experiences, Nozomi’s group exchanged contact information and quickly formed a Line group chat. They made plans for golfing and Pilates classes, and even organized a house party with another group they merged with. “It definitely didn’t end as a one-time outing, which is great,” she adds.

Building Connections: Long-Term Friendships

Nozomi’s experience reflects the app’s potential for fostering lasting friendships. “I know of a girl who met another girl at a Timeleft gathering, and they found out they live really close to each other. Now they’re basically best friends,” she shares.

When asked if she would participate again, Nozomi enthusiastically responded, “Yes! I definitely want to. I’ve already recommended it to so many of my friends here and abroad.” The app seems to have successfully bridged the gap for those looking to expand their social circles in a city that can often feel isolating.

Is Timeleft Right for You?

Timeleft offers a unique approach to socializing in Tokyo, especially for those who find it challenging to meet new people. With its structured events and focus on shared experiences, it’s designed to alleviate the awkwardness that often accompanies meeting strangers.

However, it’s important to consider your own comfort level with the concept. While many have found success in forming connections, others may not have the same experience. The group dynamics can vary significantly, and some might prefer more traditional methods of meeting people.

Reader Q&A

What types of events does Timeleft organize?

Timeleft primarily organizes weekly gatherings for dinner and drinks, with options for both mixed and girls-only events.

How much does it cost to join Timeleft?

It costs ¥1,890 for a single event or ¥2,290 for a monthly subscription, excluding meal prices.

Can you communicate with other participants before the event?

No, participants cannot contact each other before the event; they only receive group details a few days prior.