Did you know that Japan has a second Valentine’s Day called White Day? In Japan, Valentine’s Day has a bit of a twist; the original Valentine’s Day (on February 14) is for women to give chocolates or small gifts to men. These can range from giri-choco (obligatory chocolates for colleagues or friends) to honmei-choco (romantic […]
Of all of the existing Japanese particles, the particle の (no) is the one that is used most to indicate possession, such as my, your, or its. It can also be translated to “of” or “about” in certain contexts. As you move beyond beginner-level learning materials, you will eventually learn that の can be used […]
When you think of Shinjuku, you might think of this iconic city center as a place known for its landmarks and nightlife, but it is also a place not just for the average businessperson, but for students as well. Naturally, there are many coffee shops and cafés where students can meet to work on assignments […]
If you love the spirit of a city that never stops moving, we recommend making Shinjuku your home base for learning Japanese.
Discover unique and funny Kansai-ben phrases with meanings and examples. Learn how locals in Osaka and Kyoto really speak Japanese.
Discover why eating KFC on Christmas has become a beloved tradition in Japan. Learn how a clever 1970s marketing campaign, cultural influences, and festive holiday menus!
Welcome to Coto Radio, a Japanese learning podcast by Coto Japanese Academy, Japan’s No. 1 Japanese language school. Each episode, our host combines captivating storytelling with engaging conversations, all delivered in clear, natural Japanese. Just as people in the United States often turn to horoscopes, birth charts, and star signs to explain personality, and Chinese […]
Business Japanese can almost feel like an entirely different language. When you first start learning it, it might seem like you’re starting Japanese from scratch all over again. However, once you become familiar, you’ll notice that there are a handful of common corporate-specific Japanese words used repeatedly. For some, business Japanese phrases might seem unimportant […]
