Have you ever wondered how Valentine’s Day is celebrated in Japan? While we all associate Valentine’s Day with romantic dinners and roses, things take a unique turn in Japan! Forget men giving chocolates; in Japan, on February 14, women give chocolates to their loved ones. This does not always have to be their romantic partner. […]
Due to its somewhat controversial origins, National Foundation was abolished following the post-war constitution, but it subsequently bounced back 20 years later. We wonder, does it still hold the same meaning?
When you become a Japanese language student, you might wonder what common Japanese classroom words and phrases you will hear when you go to school. Of course, you will learn new vocabulary as you go, but in this case, we are talking about phrases you should know so you can understand your teacher’s directions, ask […]
If you’ve ever dined at a Japanese restaurant, you’ve likely seen people press their palms together and say “Itadakimasu” before eating and “Gochisousama deshita” afterward. In English, these are usually translated as “Let’s eat” and “Thank you for the meal.” But while they function like “saying grace,” the meaning goes much deeper than simple manners. […]
If you love the spirit of a city that never stops moving, we recommend making Shinjuku your home base for learning Japanese.
気味（ぎみ) is a JLPT N2 grammar pattern used to describe a tendency or slight condition. It translates loosely as “looks,” “seems,” or “tends to,” and often carries a slightly negative nuance. Because of this, we often use 気味 (gimi) to describe things like being prone to illness, feeling a bit tired, or having a mild […]
Setsubun is the day before the beginning of spring (according to the old Japanese lunar calendar) when people chase away demons to welcome a new season. It usually falls around February 2, 3 or 4.
Coto Japanese Institute, Coto Academy’s new full-time Japanese language school opening in 2026, is now accepting pre-applications for the October 2026 intake. Through this online pre-application, students interested in studying at our school can submit an inquiry and begin their journey with us. From there, we’ll gradually guide applicants through the screening and application process […]
