Ah, autumn. The leaves are changing into brilliant reds and yellows, the air is starting to get crisp with cold, and the fluffy scarves and coats of yesteryear are emerging. It’s times like these that we start to crave those warm and familiar Japanese autumn foods. For most of us, pumpkin pie, apple cider, or […]

One thing people might tell you to prepare yourself for before going to Japan is about the toilets. Impress your friends with your knowledge of the kanjis on Japanese washlets!

Far from being a new practice, the foundations of Autumnal Equinox Day were actually laid out centuries ago. But, many moons later, are the origins of this holiday still relevant today?

Japan is the only nation to have a public holiday dedicated to the oceans. So, why is Marine Day important and how can we all celebrate it together?

Many of us grew up playing Japanese video games, some of the most popular including Legend of Zelda, Mario, and Pokémon, but did you ever consider using them to learn Japanese? Generally, people think of anime for learning Japanese, but video games might have some of the same benefits, if not more!  Video games can […]

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. If you’ve ever wandered through a Japanese neighborhood, you’ve likely noticed something distinctly local: rows of laundry swaying in the breeze […]

Check out all the ways to say “No problem!” in Japanese. Next time someone apologizes, you can say something besides the usual “Daijoubu desu”.

Japan is a country where the changing seasons are celebrated, from the blooming cherry blossoms in spring to the fiery bursts of autumn leaves. Being able to talk about the weather and describe seasonal conditions is a useful skill for anyone learning Japanese, and it makes everyday conversation much more natural. So, how do you […]