Did you know kanpai was popularized by accident? A Japanese diplomat, caught off guard during a toast with British officials, improvised and shouted “Kanpai!”

Kanpai! You have probably heard this word cheerfully hollered at bars or even among your Japanese friends. So, what does kanpai mean and when do you use it? Are there specific manners for saying kanpai in Japan? It’s undoubtedly a part of the drinking culture that has developed in Japan over hundreds of years. So, […]

If you’re preparing for the JLPT N3 or just stepping into intermediate-level Japanese, you’re entering an exciting stage. The JLPT N3 vocabulary list includes around 3,750 words, which contain a mix of practical terms you’ll encounter in everyday conversations, at school, in the workplace, and even in formal settings.  While N3 is often considered one […]

Downloading and using Anki decks can be one of the most effective and easiest ways to learn Japanese. Anki is a free, open-source flashcard program that uses a spaced repetition system (SRS), allowing you to revisit new vocabulary repeatedly but in a programmed time frame. Through this, you can spend more time on words you […]

If you’re living in Japan on a working or permanent visa and want to bring your family over, the simplest option is to apply for a Dependent Visa for your spouse and children. This allows them to come to Japan under your sponsorship. But while the Dependent Visa may seem straightforward, there are important things […]

Coto Academy’s 3-month JLPT course is a strategic, result-proven program that has helped hundreds of learners successfully pass the JLPT year after year.

When meeting a new client in Japan, one of the first things you need to do is exchange business cards, known as 名刺 (meishi). In many other countries, business cards are often seen as a formality or just a way to pass along your name, title, and company info. But in Japan, meishi exchange is […]

Dining at Japanese restaurants can be a delightful experience, from savoring delicious sushi to enjoying a hot bowl of ramen. However, at the end of the meal, you may find yourself wondering how to ask for the bill. If you’re traveling or living in Japan, dining out is one of the best ways to experience […]

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) is one of those quintessential Japanese words that is highly ingrained into the culture but very difficult to translate to English.

If you’re one of the lucky few in Japan whose job doesn’t require Japanese, you might manage just fine day-to-day. But eventually, you’ll realize how important the language really is. At first glance, learning Japanese looks hard. It takes time, energy, and consistent effort. And when you’re already juggling the demands of a full-time job, […]