If you’ve landed here, you’re probably wondering: “Is Coto Academy Online legit?” Don’t worry, we get it. When it comes to learning Japanese online, you want to be sure you’re investing your time and money wisely.

Rest assured, we’re completely legitimate. But we also want to give you the full picture so you can feel confident before taking the next step. Before you create an account, book a lesson with one of our expert teachers, or join a group class, let us introduce you to Coto Academy and show you how our online platform makes learning Japanese flexible, effective, and enjoyable for everybody, anywhere, anytime!

What is Coto Academy?

Coto Academy is a well-established Japanese language school, founded in 2000. Since then, we have welcomed over 15,000 international students from more than 50 countries, earning a reputation as one of Tokyo’s leading language schools. 

Coto Academy has physical campuses across Tokyo and Yokohama, including prime locations like Shibuya and Minato.

What sets Coto Academy apart is our flexible yet structured approach to learning. We’re particularly known for our practical, conversation-based method of teaching Japanese.

We offer over 60 courses — yes, you read that right — covering everything from JLPT preparation and conversational practice to business Japanese. Our classes are designed around three key factors: level, focus, and intensity:

• Level: From beginner to advanced, we break this down into up to 13 levels to ensure you’re placed in the class that best matches your ability.
• Focus: Choose what you want to concentrate on in each lesson, whether it be JLPT, practical conversation, or business Japanese. We have all of them!
• Intensity: Decide how often you want to study. We offer intensive classes (five days a week), semi-intensive (twice a week), and part-time, which you can adjust or pause anytime.

With this approach, we make sure that every student finds the right class for them

Classes are intentionally small, with a maximum of 8 students per class, and our classes are often a great way for you to meet new people and friends.

Origin of Coto Academy

Coto Academy started with humble beginnings in 2000, founded by a group of Japanese volunteers led by Yukiko Watanabe. They began offering Japanese lessons to Tokyo residents in a one-bedroom apartment in Iidabashi.

At the time, while many language schools existed in Japan, there were few options tailored for foreign residents already living in the country—people who wanted to focus on conversational Japanese and practical skills. That gap inspired the creation of a curriculum built around real-life communication and everyday Japanese. This effort eventually led to the establishment of the Iidabashi Japanese Language Academy.

In 2014, the school moved to its main flagship campus in Iidabashi and officially adopted the name Coto Academy. Since then, it has expanded to three additional locations: Yokohama, Minato, and Shibuya.

After a series of expansions, including launching a recruitment company called Coto World and publishing our own textbook, “Nihongo Fun & Easy,” we officially incorporated our company under Coto World Inc. in 2019.

Today, Yukiko Watanabe serves as Coto Academy’s CEO, and several of the original volunteers continue to work here! Our school is built not only by professional teachers but also by educators who specialize in curriculum development and quality assurance, so that we continually improve and provide the best learning experience.

Despite its growth, the academy’s mission remains unchanged: to provide high-quality Japanese lessons for everyone, helping students live the life they deserve in Japan and become a bridge between Japan and the world.

What is Coto Academy Online?

Coto Academy Online is the digital branch of Coto Academy. It is our fully online school designed to bring the same high-quality Japanese lessons to students anywhere in the world. Through our online learning platform, you can create an account, browse classes, and follow courses that replicate the structure and flow of a regular classroom.

Once you join, you can filter classes to match your level and goals. We even provide a self-level check and an online quiz that recommends the most suitable courses in under 10 minutes, making it easy to start learning immediately.

Coto Academy Online offers a variety of class options to suit different learning needs. The Lite Intensive Course meets twice a week and is a less intensive version of our full-time program, ideal for students seeking structure and consistent progress. The Part-Time Course is flexible and topic-focused, allowing students to join one-time classes centered on specific grammar points, conversation skills, or other areas of interest.

For those preparing for the JLPT, we offer dedicated lessons to help you succeed on the exam. And for learners looking to advance their careers in Japan, our Business Japanese course focuses on workplace communication and more advanced language skills, helping you thrive in professional settings.

How Does Coto Academy Online Work?

Coto Academy Online makes learning Japanese flexible and accessible from anywhere. Unlike our physical campuses, you can purchase points directly on the website and join a lesson immediately. 

Each lesson costs a specific number of points. For example, a 50-minute private lesson costs four points, a 50-minute group lesson costs two points, and a 100-minute group lesson costs four points. You can either buy a one-time points package or subscribe to have a set number of points automatically renewed each month, which is ideal if you plan to take lessons regularly.

Once you have points, you can browse our course catalogue, where classes can be filtered by level, time, and day. 

Every student also has a personal dashboard to view upcoming classes and access the My Homework feature, which lets you see any new assignments from your teacher. This system is designed to make online Japanese learning intuitive!

Bottom Line: Is Coto Academy Online Legit?

Absolutely! Coto Academy Online is 100% legitimate. Our online school is a great option for those who want to learn Japanese virtually while still maintaining a classroom-like environment and progression. With over 25 years of experience teaching Japanese to thousands of students worldwide, our online courses are delivered by professional Japanese teachers who maintain the same high standards as those at our physical campuses.

Ready to Learn Japanese Online with Coto Academy?

Now that you know we’re completely trustworthy, isn’t it time to start your Japanese learning journey? Create a free online account and browse our diverse selection of classes. Whether you prefer one-on-one lessons in the evening with your favorite teacher or group conversation practice, there’s a course to suit your style and goals.

We can’t wait to virtually see you soon and help you take the next step in mastering Japanese!

Not Sure Which Class is Right for You? Let’s Figure It Out Together!

We know it can feel overwhelming to choose from 60 different class options, especially if you’re not sure of your Japanese level. Should you go for part-time or intensive classes? Online or in-person?

Luckily, Coto Academy offers a free Japanese level check and personalized course consultation. In a one-on-one meeting, our friendly staff will assess your level and help you find the perfect class that matches your schedule, goals, and learning style.

All you need to do is fill out the form below and schedule a meeting with us. Let’s find the right class for you!