Merry Christmas! In December, during the peak of the holiday season, vibrant Christmas markets sprout across Tokyo. So, this is the perfect time to embrace the Christmas spirit and immerse yourself in these wonderful markets, filled with iconic Christmas illuminations, holiday treats, and drinks, from hot cocoa to malt wine. Christmas in Japan definitely differs from […]

Before we dive into how to say “Merry Christmas” in Japanese, you might be wondering how or even if Christmas is celebrated in Japan. Thankfully, Japan is no stranger to celebrating Western holidays, including Thanksgiving, and the good news is that the imported Christmas holiday is no exception. It might not be celebrated the same […]

Toward the end of December each year, the North Pole tilts farthest from the sun, marking the shortest day and longest night and turning into a celestial moment we know as the winter solstice.

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!

Like lol, jk, and even XD; Japanese people have their own version of internet slang and texting lingo — also known as ネットスラング (netto surangu). Have you ever tried using social media, like Facebook, YouTube, or Twitter, in Japanese? Scoured across comments sections, posts, and message boards are letters and symbols being used in ways […]

Ever wondered about different ways to respond to “Thank you” in Japanese? In this article, we cover the various ways to say “You’re Welcome” in Japanese.

Ready to take intensive Japanese lessons in 2026? Check out the course calendar for Coto Academy and get started.

Those who live in Japan know that summer and winter in Japan can be brutal. Japan has eight regions spanning quite a few lines of latitude. That means depending on what part of the country you’re in, the weather will vary a lot during any given season. Winter in Japan starts in December and goes […]