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, […]

In the competitive world of Japanese job interviews, making a strong first impression is crucial. Your self-introduction, or 自己紹介 (jikoshoukai), sets the tone for the entire interview and gives the interviewer a glimpse into your personality, skills, and motivations. Understanding the nuances of Japanese etiquette and tailoring your introduction accordingly can significantly enhance your chances […]

Japanese proverbs, or ことわざ (kotowaza), are a great way to spice up and improve your language skills with more figurative speech. Exploring outside the typical methods of memorizing kanji and vocabulary, kotowaza can teach you how to use more nuanced phrases.  Plus, they can help you dive deeper into Japanese culture. Kotowaza paint a picture […]

Looking for a fun way to improve your Japanese enunciation? Japanese tongue twisters, or hayakuchi kotoba (早口言葉), are short, challenging phrases that help train your tongue, improve fluency, and boost confidence when speaking. Try one a day and make it part of your study routine — yes, even while performing your oral hygiene routine ! […]

Spring in Japan explodes with the delicate beauty of sakura, or cherry blossoms. This breathtaking spectacle draws locals and tourists to celebrate Hanami, the centuries-old tradition of appreciating these ephemeral blooms. Check out this blog for Japan’s Sakura forecast and recommended places to have a hanami around Tokyo! Sakura Forecast 2026 While dates vary slightly […]

Planning on visiting Japan for the short-term (from a couple weeks or a few months)? Whether for travel, work, or just a cultural experience—Coto Academy’s Short-term Japanese Language Course is the perfect option for you! We provide a focused and immersive environment where our courses can help you achieve your language learning goals rapidly. We […]

Level up your Japanese this Golden Week with Coto Academy’s intensive course! Maximize your holiday and boost your fluency.

We’ve already presented the Japanese slang “nanpa” and “gyakunan” to describe flirting with someone – in particular on the street. This time, let’s get more serious and develop important words for dating in Japanese. Whether you live in Japan for a short time or for a few years, you never know what might happen. Who […]