12 Unique Japanese Hand Gestures & What They Really Mean

2026 Jun 25

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 […]

Feature image showing a couple of different hand gestures

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12 Unique Japanese Hand Gestures & What They Really Mean

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 […]

Feature image showing a couple of different hand gestures

21 Japanese Internet & Texting Slang to Sound Cool

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 […]

Japanese internet slang

5 Reasons Students Choose Coto Online Over Other Platform

From Duolingo, Babel, to other popular learning platforms, you might wonder how Coto Academy’s online Japanese lessons differ from them — and if they are the right fit for you. Japanese learners have more options for studying online than ever. Whether you’re learning Japanese at your own pace or preparing to take the JLPT, a […]

6 Ways Coto Academy is Different From Other Japanese Learning Platforms (1)

How Many Hours Does it Take to Pass the JLPT?

Learn how many hours of study it will take you to pass each level of the JLPT. This illustrated guide compares how many hours of Japanese study per JLPT level. Did you know that it takes just as long to pass the N2 as it does to become a certified public accountant in the US?

Classic black alarm clock next to study books, symbolizing the time and effort needed to prepare for the JLPT exam.

Pokémon Names in English vs Japanese: Why Are They Different?

Pokémon is undoubtedly one of our favorite franchises ever; however, you may have noticed that many of the names of the Pokémon we know and love in English are completely different in Japanese. So, why is that? Turns out Pokémon names are not translated directly from Japanese to English, since the names wouldn’t make much […]

Feature image for the blog pokemon names in English vs Japanese showing a pikachu with sparks behind him

8 Ways to Say “And” in Japanese: と, や, そして and More

Apples and oranges. Walking and running. Swiftly and slowly. In English, connecting ideas is usually as simple as inserting the word “and” between two items. But in Japanese, expressing “and” is a bit more nuanced.  In fact, the language offers multiple ways to connect words, phrases, and even full sentences. This depends on what you’re […]

and in japanese