What’s the difference between kudasai (ください) and onegaishimasu (おねがいします)?

When meeting a new client in Japan, one of the first things you need to do is exchange business cards, known as 名刺 (meishi). In many other countries, business cards are often seen as a formality, or just a way to pass along your name, title, and company info. But in Japan, meishi exchange is […]

Dining at Japanese restaurants can be a delightful experience, from savoring delicious sushi to enjoying a hot bowl of ramen. However, at the end of the meal, you may find yourself wondering how to ask for the bill. If you’re traveling or living in Japan, dining out is one of the best ways to experience […]

For many of us, our love for Japan began with manga, whether it was action-packed cult classics like One Piece or something more niche in the shoujo (genre for young women) comics. So why not turn that passion into a way to learn Japanese? We get it—you might be thinking: Is that even possible? Don’t […]

What are some of the biggest culture shocks you’ve experienced in Japan? Coming to the country, you might not want to bring with you the “Western culture” complex that many have seen across the globe — or on social media. We might want to acclimate to the Japanese way of life as best as we […]

When getting ready for a Japanese job interview, be prepared to answer these 4 key questions to improve your chances of getting the job.

Yoroshiku onegaishimasu (よろしくお願いします) is one of those quintessential Japanese words that is highly ingrained into the culture but very difficult to translate to English.

Coto Academy is launching a Business Japanese Course, a powerful 3-month program for working professionals who want to improve their business communication skill in Japan.