Japanese Learning Blog Japanese Blog

April 21, 2016

An Introduction to Japanese Keigo

A foreigner's guide to Japanese honorific, humble and polite forms.

April 20, 2016

Coto's events in May, 2016

Japanese Culture

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto We are planning the following events in May 2016. Please send your request for participation to [email protected] Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka ランチツアー in 神楽坂 Friday, May 6th 12:30-13:50 Each month, there are lunch tours to places […]

April 18, 2016

Spring (春) Photo Contest 2016!

Japanese Culture

Spring (春) Photo Contest 2016! Coto’s Spring Photo Contest is HERE! Win up to 10,000 yen worth of exciting prizes by uploading the best photo you have taken in this Spring! How to Participate? Simply upload your photo and share with us why this photo is so special to you on either of the following social media […]

April 13, 2016

Sushi in Japanese: How to go about ordering in a restaurant

Eating Sushi is a must when coming to Japan, but can you order Sushi in Japanese? We don’t want you to have that problem during this wonderful experience Origins of SushiWalking into a Sushi RestaurantAppreciating your SushiTypes of Sushi MealsFrequently Asked Questions regarding eating SushiConclusion Origins of Sushi Sushi embarked its journey around the […]

April 11, 2016

Knowing how to say "No" in Japanese

Japanese Study

Saying 'no' in Japan is a tricky subject. The Japanese will rarely give a direct no to an answer, preferring instead to give an indirect answer that conveys the message of no.

April 6, 2016

Learning to say Good Morning in Japanese: Ohayougozaimasu, Ohayou

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Greeting in the Morning Be the first to say it! Other Morning Greetings In a Working Environment… Greeting in the Morning Ohayou gozaimasu! おはようございます！ Good morning! Having a good command of Japanese greetings is the first step towards building smooth relationships in Japan. Whether you are coming for a short trip or for a few […]

April 4, 2016

How to Use Japanese Honorific Titles: San, Sama, Kun and Chan

If you have heard san, sama, kun and chan before, then you know that in Japan, you just simply do not call people by their names! Or you would be very rude. Indeed, to address someone or speak about someone, you need to use the “Japanese honorific title”. To navigate Japanese society smoothly, you should […]

April 1, 2016

Interview with Marina, Fashion designer in Japan

Student Testimonials

Half Spanish and Russian, Marina grew up in a creative and multicultural environment between Switzerland, Spain and Russia. She studied in an Haute Couture School in Paris, focused on Fashion Design. With foreign cultures as a strong inspiration, she particularly admired Japan and she decided to focus her new collection on Japanese culture. What inspires […]

March 29, 2016

Japanese "Kira Kira" Names – A New Trend In Japanese Culture

IntroductionWhat exactly are the “Kira Kira” Names (キラキラネーム)?Why the “Kira Kira” Names?“Kira Kira” Names 2015 Ranking! What Are Japanese Kira Kira Names? Lately, trending Japanese baby names are shifting towards a new unknown level of weirdness. Ever heard of “Kira Kira” names? Literally meaning “sparkly” or “shiny”, those are bizarre names sounding completely different from […]

March 24, 2016

Japanese hospitality: Oshibori

What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of Japan? For me, it’s definitely the Japanese hospitality! Oshibori! Imagine if you are really cold right now, what would be the thing you yearn for the most? Warmth! That’s right! Especially when you are cold and hungry, you will naturally head […]

March 23, 2016

Japanese Business Phrases at Work: お先に失礼します(Osaki ni Shitsureishimasu)

How to Use: お先に失礼します! (Osaki ni Shitsureishimasu!) Ended Work…?Meaning of お先に失礼します(Osaki ni Shitsureishimasu)…Replying to Osaki ni Shitsureishimasu…Leaving for a Short Trip/Errand… Ended Work…? Finally you’re done with your tasks of the day. The clock is ticking the end of your shift. Among the lucky ones, you are working in a good company. You don’t have to […]

March 18, 2016

Shunbun no Hi (春分の日 ) – Let’s welcome the Spring

School News

The Japanese Calendar sure can be a wonder for those who enjoy learning about the Japanese culture and traditions. Every month, with the exception of June, has a holiday. and with 20th March just around the corner lies Shunbun no Hi – the Spring Equinox Day, 春分の日. What is 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi)?Cultural Beliefs What […]