Learn Japanese Blog

Kansai-ben is one of the most popular dialects in Japan. It is the dialect spoken in and around the Osaka, Kyoto and Kobe regions. Imagine you go to Japan after a grueling four years of learning the Japanese language. Those late-nights practicing Kanji, the distressing attempts at memorizing Keigo, and the agonizing months and months of mastering one of the most difficult languages. And at last, the efforts have come to fruition; you made it to Japan. But only to realize, you don’t understand much of the Japanese the people here speak! This is when most non-Japanese people encounter ‘dialects’. So how important is it to know about the Kansai dialect? 

So, um, have you ever, like, wanted to say something, but, uh, you didn’t really know what to say?

Check out all the ways to say "No problem!" in Japanese. Next time someone apologizes, you can say something besides the usual "Daijoubu desu".

Ever heard of a ryokan (旅館)? It is an experience not to be missed when in Japan! If you are planning to bring your baby along for a trip to ryokan, it is definitely worth considering one that is baby-friendly. Some hotels do not allow infants in the rooms, so it is better to check […]

Interested in enrolling at a Japanese language school in Hong Kong? Due to the ongoing situation with COVID-19, Japan has stricken its border restriction. This means a lot of Japanese schools in Japan cannot accept overseas applicants. If that is you, check out this article to check out the top Japanese language schools in Hong […]

Find out the best omiyage to buy for your next trip to Japan — and where to search for them. Sake-flavored Kit Kats and Tokyo Banana, anyone?

Curry rice (カレーライス, karē raisu) is a very popular dish in Japan. You can find a restaurant that serves curry rice nearby almost all train stations in Japan, or can be cooked easily at home with very simple recipe. The recipe we will be introducing today is the most basic way to make curry yet the […]

If you live in the Kanagawa area, and you want to learn Japanese, then you are in luck! Coto Japanese Academy Yokohama offers intensive courses for you to learn Japanese just 5 minutes from Yokohama Station. Our mission is to provide Yokohama with a Japanese language school that teaches international residents Japanese for everyday life […]

Although using flashcards is an easy way to study Kanji, it won’t fully prepare for what’s to come in the JLPT N5 Exam. As a more effective study method for the exam, Coto now offers the JLPT N5 Kanji Course – a new self-study course that contains plentiful resources and opportunities to test your knowledge […]

Find a Japanese course that perfectly fits your desired schedule, lesson structure, course level, personal interests, and goals! Are you a busy individual looking to study Japanese on the side? Do you want to improve your Japanese conversation skill through engaging, conversation-based lessons? Do you want to expand your Japanese vocabulary while having fun? If […]

When you visit Japan, you cannot miss out on the Japanese food culture. Ramen is amongst the popular ones of them. Depending on the type of ramen shop you enter in, ramen is commonly served with the shop’s own decision of what kinds of noodles, broth thickness, and toppings to use. However, if you eat at […]

Staring at a textbook to study for the JLPT can get tedious… Right? Well, you’re in luck, because Coto is now offering a FUN self-study course to help you prepare for the JLPT N4 Exam and break up the monotony… all for FREE! The new JLPT N4 YouTube Video Grammar Course features short and easy […]