If a resident in Japan planning to renew your visa or change your status of residence anytime soon, there’s a change coming that’s worth noting. On Tuesday, August 25, 2026, the Japanese government decided to raise fees for foreign nationals who renew or change their status of residency in Japan. The renewal fee will rise […]

When you find yourself preparing to attend a funeral in Japan, how do you express condolences in Japanese

Finding an apartment or a place to live is essential if you want to live in Japan; however, you will need to know some essential Japanese phrases to get the place you want. If you plan to live in Japan, apartments are among the cheapest and most readily available options, but they can be a […]

Have you ever wondered what Japanese train announcements actually mean? Check out our guide below to help you before traveling to Japan!

As the importance of the JLPT grows and the number of applicants rises, Japan’s government is preparing to rethink how the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) is administered. For the fiscal year 2027, the government is currently considering measures such as offering more JLPT test sessions per year, introducing an online testing option, or adding […]

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.