News and resources

Yellow September : A Month for Mental Health

Yellow September is an opportunity to highlight and heighten mental health awareness. That’s why every year September 10 is marked as World Suicide Day. However, the entire month is a reminder that mental health concerns everyone, including those living abroad. Whether it’s missing good times with friends or craving nothing but family recipes, living abroad […]

Irasutoya: Japan’s Art Phenomenon

         If you’ve interacted with Japanese media at all, then you are sure to have come across something cute! From famous Sanrio characters (like Hello Kitty) to company logos, you can find cuteness just about anywhere; this is because Japan often uses this concept in many different areas, such as marketing, fashion, and… clip art? […]

Mastering Business Negotiations: Essential Japanese Negotiation Phrases for Successful Deals

Effective communication is at the heart of successful negotiations. This especially holds true when conducting Japanese negotiation, where both cultural and linguistic nuances play a vital role in building relationships and reaching mutually beneficial agreements.  Whether you are a professional or someone that is just starting your career,mastering the right phrases in Japanese negotiation can […]

Negotiations for a business deal have been accepted.

Karaoke in Japan : A Guide to Help You Sing Your Heart Out

When you come to Japan, visiting a karaoke box is an absolute must. After all, the word karaoke (カラオケ) originated in Japan. As opposed to the type of karaoke where you perform in front of lots of strangers, in Japan, you can rent a private room for your party or entirely for yourself. In this […]

2 girls and 2 guys singing karaoke somewhere. Having fun.

Step-up Your Japanese Conversation Practice with Coto Academy!

Some of you might have been learning Japanese from textbooks for hours yet still have low self-esteem when actually speaking it. Let’s be real here: it is sometimes hard to have Japanese conversation practice when you don’t have anyone to speak to that is fluent enough or, not to mention, a native.  But fret not! […]

Elevate Your IT Career in Japan with Coto Work

Introduction In an era where technology is reshaping economies, Japan’s IT industry presents a wealth of opportunities for software engineers around the world. But how do you navigate this competitive landscape as a foreign professional who’s interested in starting their IT career in Japan? Enter Coto Work, the recruitment arm of Coto Academy. With a […]

10 Do’s and Don’ts of Gift Giving Etiquette in the Japanese Workplace

Gift-giving in Japanese Culture is an inseparable part of the long lived culture, as it have deeply rooted in traditions and societal norms. It represents gratitude and respect and serves as a means of nurturing positive relationships. Within the Japanese workplace, the concept of “お土産 (omiyage)” takes center stage, and understanding the nuances of gift-giving […]

gift giving etiquette in japanese