Many people are surprised to learn that Japanese hand gestures don’t always mean what they expect — and in some cases, they mean the exact opposite of a similar gesture back home. Body language might seem more universal than spoken language, but it’s still shaped by culture, and Japan has plenty of its own unique […]

As some Coto Academy students are adults who have been in a relationship with a Japanese partner, we might occasionally be asked, “How do I break up with my Japanese partner?”

Thanks to Japan’s Working Holiday Visa program, you can have a taste of what’s living and working in Japan like without needing to commit to a full-time job, join a university course, or have a visa sponsor.  

In Japan, “rock paper scissors” is referred to as “じゃんけん”(Janken). Although it is called different names in different places, the rules of the game are generally the same in every country. The full countdown phrase is じゃんけんぽん (Janken pon!), equivalent to “Rock, Paper, Scissors, Shoot!”In Japan, janken is used to settle disagreements, select participants, and […]

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Tokyo’s Minato area? The bustling nightlife, luxurious apartments, or the night skyline from Tokyo Tower? It’s obvious that the Minato area is one of the most wealthy parts of Tokyo, home to many large corporations, high-end shops and restaurants in Azabu, and many […]

Looking for jobs in Japan? Start your job hunting process and find other career opportunities in different positions and industries by checking out these top job sites in Japan!

If you and your family have just moved to Tokyo, finding the right Japanese preschool or kindergarten for your child can be a daunting prospect. You’re settling into a new country where English isn’t widely spoken, so it’s natural to wonder whether a local Japanese youchien or an international preschool is the better fit. Should […]

With a history of almost 1300 years in Japan, we explore the origins of Children’s Day, its connections to China, and some of its most revered traditions.