Japanese Blog

Want to learn and practice your JLPT N4 with a Kanji worksheet? Do you know what kind of words to use to describe the seasons, weather or animals in Japanese? In This Article: Unit 2 JLPT N4 Kanji We have a new unit for you! This is the second unit in the JLPT N4 series […]

Ever get confused by Japanese causative form? It can be tricky to remember how to conjugate the verbs properly for different purposes. However, this article breaks it down into three simple ways you can use Japanese causative form to say “I am allowed”, “I force someone”, and “may I do?”. In English, we use “let”, […]

Are you trying to learn Kanji from the JLPT N4?? A Kanji worksheet would certainly help. Do you know the Japanese words used to address your family members? This is the first unit in the JLPT N4 series of free Kanji writing practice sheets that you can download and print. This is a sample chapter […]

Japanese stationery stores carry some of the cutest stationery you can ever find! From cute stickers to cute planners, Japanese stationery shops really do have a variety of things. Do you collect or buy cute stationeries whenever you see one? Because stay till the end, we would be sharing some of the various stationery shops […]

How to Use Microsoft IME on Windows 10 to Type in Japanese For Mac, iPhone, iOS click here.Looking to type in Japanese?In our modern age, typing has become an essential and integrated part of daily life. From emails to Facebook comments to Google searches, we type almost without thinking on a regular basis.But what if […]

Hi Everyone! Coto Japanese Academy Yokohama will be opening in just 3 weeks! We have had several people sign up for classes at the new location already – and we are very pleased to hear that many people have been excitedly anticipating the opening of the new school in Yokohama. Today, we would like to introduce the […]

If you are learning to speak Japanese – you will want to visit Japan to practice. There are not many places in the world that have a high concentration of Japanese native speakers aside from Japan.   This article will give you several ideas of activities to jump-start your Japanese practice while you are visiting […]

In this article, we will share with you several options for tattoo friendly onsen close to and within Tokyo. Much more than simple traditional local sento baths! This article includes our recommendations for the best onsen and sento in Tokyo and Yokohama available to tattooed guests. We will also teach you what you can search […]

This week we have a student story from Jeff, one of our Coto Online students that have been taking Online Lessons to prepare for the JLPT N2 Jeff was kind enough to share his study habits with us and his experience in passing the JLPT N2 So without further Ado here is what Jeff-san had […]

The traditional Japanese Tea Ceremony (茶道, sadō or chadō, lit. “the way of tea” or 茶の湯, chanoyu. “hot-water tea”) has its history rooted in the principles of Zen Buddhism. It is an aesthetic way of welcoming guests. During this welcoming ritual – everything must be done according to an established order. It has lost its place […]

JLPT N3 Grammar: How to Use つまり If you are speaking in Japanese in a casual setting with coworkers or friends, you may want to do away with long form polite language and get “straight to the point”. In cases like this – there are several useful Japanese phrases that can help you.  One of […]

Are you looking for an Apartment in Tokyo?  Do you already live in Japan? If you are a foreign resident in Tokyo you may have already experienced the headache of trying to find an apartment that matches your needs. In this blog, we have a suggestion for you as a foreign resident. The Best Kept […]