How do you strike up a conversation?

Been working WFH since the Pandemic. I'm grateful for the comfort and salary but I think my social skills have seriously deteriorated. It doesn't help that in Japan and I suffered from discrimination (South East Asian face + Hispanic Nose = mukha daw pakistani sabi ng mga pinoy dun).
I'm not looking for sex just companionship with people with the same hobbies and interest as me.