Is it difficult for men and women to be ‘just friends’ in Japan?

[L in Oki]

As a Japanese uni student who has experience to study abroad in Europe, I feel like it's way easier to be a friend with opposite-sex people. I have some "just friend" in Japan but not so many compare with Europe. Even though people know we are literally just friends, they often ask both of us "what you guys are? Just friends or..?" it's so annoying and especially when I was in middle/high school, some people ruined my platonic friendship by rumors. But when I was in Germany, I could have guy friends and it was so great to connect with them! Nobody asks me about my friendships. (it should be normalized tho) I'm planning to travel with my German JUST friend but most of my Japanese friends was like "what? And why? What's the point of travelling with them if he/she is not your partner?" it could be a gray zone even in Europe but in Japan you might get some criticism by strangers for no reason.
Do you have similar experience in Japan or in your country? How do you solve this?
I think that the best way is just ignore others opinion but kinda stressful at the same time.. is it no problem to travel together with your female/guy friend in your country?

 

[Lothor]

As a Japanese uni student who has experience to study abroad in Europe, I feel like it's way easier to be a friend with opposite-sex people. I have some "just friend" in Japan but not so many compare with Europe. Even though people know we are literally just friends, they often ask both of us "what you guys are? Just friends or..?" it's so annoying and especially when I was in middle/high school, some people ruined my platonic friendship by rumors. But when I was in Germany, I could have guy friends and it was so great to connect with them! Nobody asks me about my friendships. (it should be normalized tho) I'm planning to travel with my German JUST friend but most of my Japanese friends was like "what? And why? What's the point of travelling with them if he/she is not your partner?" it could be a gray zone even in Europe but in Japan you might get some criticism by strangers for no reason.
Do you have similar experience in Japan or in your country? How do you solve this?
I think that the best way is just ignore others opinion but kinda stressful at the same time.. is it no problem to travel together with your female/guy friend in your country?

I'm a British male and I've tended to have more female friends than male friends throughout my life. Those friendships have mainly worked well, though occasionally other feelings have got in the way - I'd become romantically interested. It isn't always easy to navigate those feelings, so now that I'm married, I tend to limit my contact with female friends to meeting up for coffee, group events, etc.

I imagine the comments from others are annoying, but that's how most people are, so do your best to ignore it!

Happy travels!