This time we talked to Nadine from Belgium who has worked in Japan for five years, and who is now married and has a seven month old baby with a Japanese man. We asked how she managed her time studying Japanese and how improving her Japanese completely revolutionized her life in Japan.

Erika came to Japan from Peru in 2003 and has since been studying Japanese while working and trying to advance her career. We asked her how her Japanese has developed since she started lessons with Coto (formerly ILS).

  Learning the NuancesPractice & ExamplesGoing Further… Did you know that both “wakarimasen” or “shirimasen” can be used to say “I don’t know” depending on the situation? Take a look at the examples below to find out when to use each phrase! Learning the Nuances “Shirimasen” can be used to simply convey that you don’t […]

As part of our new series of interviews with students, we talk with Sven from Germany about the difference of studying Japanese in Germany and in Japan.

How have you been spending the hot summer in Japan? At Coto Japanese Academy, continuing from last year, we powerfully beat back the summer heat with a beer garden! This year’s beer garden was held at the ultra popular Nihonbashi Mitsukoshi department store rooftop in Tokyo. Taking in the cool evening summer breeze, classmates and […]

Have you ever worked in a Japanese speaking work environment? Or Do you want to get a job in a Japanese speaking business? The following four points outline four aptitudes essential for conducting business in Japanese. 1. Keigo (Polite Language) and formal words Keigo is an essential element of Japanese business. If you fail to […]

In our first interview series we talk to Andrew Freeling from America about what it’s like to study Japanese in a classroom compared to studying by himself online.

The fireworks season has started in Japan and it is a great way for our students to experience Japanese culture, food and to practise what they’ve learned in the classroom.