I really want to make some Japanese friends

I've recently started college and I've had a lot of people from Asia approach me, but they're mostly Chinese. I really want to befriend Japanese people but I don't know how to approach them. I've taken a class in Japanese and I know some basic Japanese phrases but I'm too nervous to say anything. I would love to know more Japanese people and learn more about their culture. I want to go to some of the Japanese restaurants and clubs around and meet more people but I'm just too nervous. I'm not very outgoing so I would really love some advice or suggestions on how to befriend Japanese people.