Our Story
About Coto Japanese Academy
Coto Japanese Academy started as a group of volunteer Japanese language teachers to help international residents transition smoothly to Japan. We focus on teaching Japanese for daily life situations, effectively assisting international residents to learn Japanese beyond the contents of standard textbooks. From there, we have helped 15,000 students achieve Japanese fluency, opened four campuses around Tokyo and Yokohama, created an online learning platform, and even published our first Japanese learning textbook, Nihongo Fun and Easy.
Our Mission
Our mission is to build a society where everyone can embrace their true selves and happily call Japan “home.” We strive to support those who choose to live in Japan, helping them maximize their potential and enjoy their lives here.
Three Core Values
Enjoying Diversity: We value the diverse backgrounds of our customers and employees, celebrating each individual’s unique personality and culture. Diversity inspires new ideas and fosters learning.
Harnessing Creativity: We innovate with unique ideas to create easy-to-use services and expand Japanese learning opportunities. We are committed to delivering creative solutions to meet our customers’ needs.
Continuing to Challenge: We boldly embrace challenges, even uncharted ones, striving for growth—like starting a new life in Japan and learning. We believe true potential emerges through challenges.
Coto Academy Throughout the Years
2000
Four volunteer teachers from the WAIWAI group founded the Iidabashi Japanese Language School to offer private Japanese lessons for daily life, starting in an Iidabashi apartment.
2009
Published the Japanese textbook, Nihongo Fun & Easy, designed to equip learners with essential phrases and vocabulary for navigating daily life in Japan.
2012
Incorporated as Be Unique Co., Ltd., the school launched original conversation materials, flexible Japanese Plus group lessons, and the Coto School Finder.
2014
Rebranded as Coto Language Academy and expanded and relocated to the current Coto Japanese Academy Iidabashi School.
2016
Started a recruitment business – Coto Work
2018
Opened Coto Japanese Club in Azabu-Juban and rebranded as Coto Japanese Academy.
2019
Launched Coto Online Japanese Academy, making it easier for students worldwide to start learning Japanese online.
2020
Opened Coto Japanese Academy Yokohama School
2023
Opened Coto Japanese Academy Shibuya School
April 2025
Opened Coto Japanese Academy Shinjuku School,
October 2025
Coto Academy will open a sister school, Coto Japanese Institute, a pending MEXT-approved language school that can finally issue a student visa.
Great Place To Work Certified
Coto World, parent company of Coto Academy, is now Great Place To Work Certified in Japan, with 90% of employees saying they felt welcome when they joined. The result comes straight from our team through the Trust Index® Survey.