Politics is a topic many people prefer to avoid. Yet, whether we like it or not, it plays a fundamental role in shaping our society and everyday lives. If you live in Japan, do you know how Japan’s political system is shaped? Following the 2024 Minato Ward Mayor election, Coto Academy teachers Nagai-sensei and Hidari-sensei […]
You might already learn that there are many ways to say “no” in Japanese, but did you know that Japanese people themselves never directly use the word “no” in conversations? Why is this the case? And is there another way that Japanese people say that two-letter word? In this episode, we’ll take a look at […]
A Coto Radio listener asked a question on why their Japanese friend didn’t say a word while they were enjoying their lunch, prompting the question, “Why are Japanese people so silent?” While Japanese people are known for being well-mannered and polite, their silence at certain times may surprise many non-Japanese. This could lead to cultural […]
Did you know that Japan has a second Valentine’s Day called White Day? In Japan, Valentine’s Day has a bit of a twist; the original Valentine’s Day (on February 14) is for women to give chocolates or small gifts to men. These can range from giri-choco (obligatory chocolates for colleagues or friends) to honmei-choco (romantic […]
If you’re living in Japan, chances are that at exactly 5 o’clock in the evening, you’ll hear some music playing in the background.
Did you know how the Chinese zodiac signs are adopted in Japan? While the Lunar New Year is not widely celebrated here, the country adopted the Chinese zodiac around the 6th century, and it now has its own unique Japanese spin. There are 12 animals in the zodiac, with each animal having their own unique […]
If you love the spirit of a city that never stops moving, we recommend making Shinjuku your home base for learning Japanese.
Coto Japanese Institute, Coto Academy’s new full-time Japanese language school opening in 2026, is now accepting pre-applications for the October 2026 intake. Through this online pre-application, students interested in studying at our school can submit an inquiry and begin their journey with us. From there, we’ll gradually guide applicants through the screening and application process […]
