Coto Japanese Academy

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here

Monthly Events at Coto

Autumn is just around the corner and our Coto September Events calendar is full of fun activities for you to enjoy.
Book our events online or contact us at info@cotoacademy.com.

Thursday, August 31: Lunch Tour

Lunch
Kagurazaka is an enchanting neighbourhood located 5 minutes from the Coto Japanese Academy, where you can find many shops, fancy cafés, traditional and modern restaurants. Every month, we organize a lunch tour at one of the many delicious restaurants in this area.
If you want to join us and discover Kagurazaka while enjoying some delicious food, make your reservation now!
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Thursday, August 31
  • Time: 12:20 – 13:50
  • Location: Coto Japanese Academy 1st Floor
  • Price: ¥1500
  • Restaurant: 花かぐら (Hanakagura)
  • Limit: Up to 16 people

Wednesday, September 6: Cooking class

Cooking Class
There are many ways of preparing Japanese sushi and every month we organize a cooking class for you to learn more about it! This month we introduce the way to make 四海巻き (Shikaimaki). Have fun learning how to cook with us and take up the challenge to create  beautiful norimaki for the eye and delicious for your palate!
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Wednesday, September 6
  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
  • Location: Coto Japanese Academy 1st Floor
  • Price: ¥2500
  • Limit: Up to 10 people

Friday, September 8: Omikoshi Festival Experience


Are you up for the challenge of carrying an Omikoshi? The Tsukudo Shrine Festival is held mid-September in Iidabashi Chiyoda Ward. Every year, Coto offers you the chance to participate and to experience a unique Japanese traditional event with the community. Put on a happi (short jacket) and carry an Omikoshi (a portable shrine).
Enjoy the day with the locals of Iidabashi, eager to share their culture with foreigners.
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Friday, September 8
  • Time: 17:00 – 21:00
  • Location: Iidabashi area, 8 min walk from Coto Japanese Academy
  • Price: ¥2000 (Happi rental, snacks and drink)
  • Limit: Up to 20 people

Wednesday, September 13: Calligraphy Class


Every month, Coto Academy will hold a calligraphy class to teach you the basics of calligraphy along with the artistic way of writing kanji. The instructor, Wakana Shingae, is a professional calligrapher and will be teaching how to write the following kanji: 恋  音  翔.
Grab this opportunity to experience the traditions of Japan and participate in our calligraphy class!
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Wednesday, September 13
  • Time: 12:40 – 13:55
  • Location: Coto Japanese Academy 1st Floor
  • Price: ¥2500
  • Limit: up to 10 people

Wednesday, September 20: Japanese Ink Painting


Take a brush and a piece of washi paper and learn how to draw the typical Japanese ink paintings called Sumi-e! Practice this ancient art in the studio of the instructor Honda Yuta-san, whose father was a recognized Sumi-e painter, Honda Toyokuni.
Don’t worry if you have never painted with ink and a brush before, the technique of the Sumi-e is easy to familiarize with and you will be able to draw cool paintings on that day! This month, we will practice how to draw bamboo, one of the most basic of Sumi-e painting.
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Wednesday, September 20
  • Time: 12:40 13:55
  • Location: Coto Japanese Academy1st Floor
  • Price: ¥2500
  • Limit: Up to 10 people

Thursday, September 21: Izakaya Night with Tuna Slicing Exhibition


At Coto Japanese Academy, we regularly organize exceptional parties for you to discover the Japanese regions specialties. For this event we will go to Taiko Chaya, an Izakaya specialized in seafood and enjoy a all-you-can-drink full course. The highlight of the evening will be their Tuna Slicing Exhibition, a very popular show in Japan!
Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Date: Thursday, September 21
  • Time: 19:00 – 21:30
  • Location: Taiko Chaya 103-0002 Tōkyō-to, Chūō-ku, Nihonbashibakurochō, 2 Chome−3−2
  • Price: ¥5000 (all-you-can-drink)
  • Limit: Up to 20
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.

 

Even if your Japanese is very basic, knowing some Japanese for directions not only help you navigate, but also to get a chat with the locals.

One person that you can always rely on for direction is the local police officer. You can usually find them in the closest 交番こうばん, small local police station which are located all over Japan.

Let’s learn a key sentence to ask someone if a place you’d like to go to is nearby or not.

Sample sentence: このへんに、ATM（は）ありますか。(Is there an ATM around here?)

このへんに means ‘around here’. この is a Japanese demonstrative translating in «this», «these».

へん stands for area or vicinity.

に is a particle indicating location or direction.

あります means ‘to exist’ and is used to refer to inanimate objects – a building, a book, a concept etc.

Once again, we notice Japanese people tend to skip the topic marker は.

Sample dialogue:

Bob: すみません、このへんにATM （は）ありますか。(Excuse-me, is there an ATM around here?)

Sato: ええ、あそこにありますよ。(Yes, it’s over there.)

Bob: ありがとうございます。(Thank you very much.)

Sato: どういたしまして。(You’re welcome.)

Jim: すみません、このへんにスーパーありますか。(Excuse-me, is there a supermarket around here?)

Megumi: さあ、ちょっとわかりません。(Hmm, I’m not sure (if there is one).

Jim: じゃ、いいです。ありがとうございます。(That’s alright, thank you.)

The little word ちょっと has many meanings but in this context,  ちょっと softens the verb わかりません, the negative form of わかります, ‘to understand’, ‘to know’.

Japanese people dislike saying ‘no’ and being too direct, so instead of saying they ‘don’t know’, they’ll prefer to say ‘they’re not sure’.

Sample Vocabulary:

  • 駅えき – Station
  • バス停てい – Bus stop
  • 駐車場ちゅうしゃじょう – Parking lot
  • コンビニ – Convenience store
  • インターネットカフェ – Internet Cafe
  • 郵便局ゆうびんきょく – Post office
  • 100円ショップ – 100 yen shop
  • 薬屋くすりや – Drugstore
  • ええ – Yes
  • あそこ – Japanese demonstrative translating in ‘over there’, a place physically distant from both speaker and listener.
  • ありがとうございます – Polite ‘thank you’
  • どういたしまして – You’re welcome

Are you interested in studying Japanese?
Check out our full time and part time courses!

[contact-form-7 id=”12634″ title=”Inquiry Form_copy”]
Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.

Diana fell in love with the culture and language of Japan while visiting over ten years ago. She recently decided to continue her studies by taking the Coto Intensive Japanese Language Course.

Why did you want to come to Japan?

I first studied abroad in Tokyo when I was a university student ten years ago. I fell in love with the culture and the language and wanted to deepen my Japanese language skills.

What do you enjoy about living here?

I enjoy meeting new people while traveling around Japan. The local people are very friendly, sincere and will go out of their way to assist you.

How have you been able to use the Japanese you learn in school in your daily life?

Apart from daily conversation with Japanese friends, shop assistance, etc; I was able to understand more news reports on TV and newspapers. I am also able to read more kanji since enrolling in school.

What are the difficulties you have experienced in your daily life?

Staying in Japan and communicating in Japanese can be frustrating at times. There is so much I want to say during a conversation, however due to my limited Japanese language skills, I couldn’t fully express myself. It takes patience and persistence to slowly and diligently build up my Japanese language skills. The key is to never give up.

Do you have a few funny stories from studying Japanese?

It is easy for me to get mixed up with 「しょ」and「じょ」or anything with the てんてん to any hiragana （か／が、す／ず etc). During class, I wanted to make a sentence saying “People say I look like this actress” in Japanese. Instead of saying じょゆう (actress) but I ended up saying しょゆう (soy sauce), so it translated to “People say I look like this soy sauce”.

To learn more about our full time or part time Japanese Language Courses fill out the form below

[contact-form-7 id=”12634″ title=”Inquiry Form_copy”]

Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here

Monthly Events at Coto

Book our events online or contact us at info@cotoacademy.com.

Lunch Tour
Thursday, August 3

Kagurazaka is an enchanting neighborhood located 5 minutes walking from the Coto Japanese Academy, where you can find many shops, fancy cafés, traditional and modern restaurants. Every month, we organize a lunch tour in one of the many delicious restaurants around this place. If you want to join us and discover Kagurazaka, mail us and make your reservation now!

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Thursday, August 3
  • 12:20 – 13:50
  • Restaurant 花かぐら (Hanakagura)
  • Meeting point: Coto Japanese Academy 1F
  • 1500 yen
  • Up to 16 people
  • Staff: Miyazaki and Shibanuma

Beer Garden Party
Saturday, August 5

What do you do in the summer to beat the heat? Come and enjoy our “Beer Garden Party” ! It will be a lot of fun and practice your Japanese!

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Saturday, August 5
  • 18:45 – 21:30
  • Meeting at 18:45 at the rooftop
  • Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi main store, Main Building (8F Rooftop)
    Address: 1-4-1 Nihonbashi-Muromachi, Chuo-ku
  • Transport: Mitsukoshimae Station (Ginza, Hanzomon lines)
  • 4000yen (food and all-you-can-drink)
  • Up to 60 people maximum
  • Staff: Sakurai

Calligraphy class
Wednesday August 9

 

Wakana Shingae, a professional shodo artist will join us to teach a special Japanese calligraphy class. The class will consist of a basic introduction to Japanese calligraphy and practice writing three seasonal Kanji characters. Then, you can write one of the Kanji characters using a special calligraphy board and take it home as a souvenir!

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • This month kanji: 祭 涼 夏
  • Wednesday, August 9
  • 12:40 – 13:50
  • Coto Japanese Academy 1F
  • Up to 9 people
  • Instructor: Wakana Shingae

Baseball game
Tuesday, August 15

Baseball is one of the most popular sports in Japan and we’re very excited to offer you the chance to witness a game at Meiji Jingu Stadium!

Japanese baseball fans have chants and routines to support their favorite teams and players. Take a peek at Tokyo Yakult Swallows supporters Umbrella Dance!

 

We’ll meet in the school before going to the stadium together. Our guide, Sugiura, will share with you a few stories about baseball in Japan and a light snack will also be provided. Let’s enjoy a great match between the Swallows and the Giants!

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Tuesday, August 15
  • 17:30 – 21:00
  • Jingu Stadium
  • Meeting point: Coto Japanese Academy 3F
  • 4000 yen (seat + light snack)
  • Tour Guide: Sugiura

Cooking class

Wednesday, August 16

Did you know that there are various different ways to make sushi? In this event, we will create an oshi-zushi design that is a real eye-pleaser. Once you’ve learned how to make it, it is easy to make this dish at home too. We can create interesting designs based on your ideas! We look forward to seeing you at this event.

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Wednesday August 16
  • 12:40 – 13:50
  • Coto Japanese Academy 1F
  • 2500 yen
  • Up to 10 people

Pera Pera Night
Saturday, August 19

Have you heard of the Japanese word “Perapera” ? It is used to describe someone who speaks a language very well! Coto’s Pera Pera Party is the perfect time for you to have a go at conversation in Japanese. Get the chance to practice your speaking with 20 Japanese native speakers and to chat about many topics in Japanese. During English speaking time… it will be your turn to be a teacher!

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Saturday, August 19
  • 18:15 – 21:15
  • Coto Japanese Academy 1F
  • 1500 yen
  • Up to 20 Native Japanese speakers / 20 foreigners

TwinKle horse race tour
Wednesday August 30

Let’s enjoy a typical Japanese summer evening! We’ll go together to Tokyo City Horse Race Track (大井競馬場) and watch Horse Twinkle race. We’ll also offer a bid to all participants. Who knows, maybe you’ll win big!

Book Appointment from Coubic

  • Wednesday, August 30
  • 17:30 – 20:30
  • Ookikeibajo
  • Meeting point: Coto Japanese Academy 3F
  • 1500 yen
  • Up to 20 person
  • Staff: Abo

Book our events online or contact us at info@cotoacademy.com.

Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.

 

On year ago, Lucy decided to come to Japan on a working holiday visa.
“I had finished University and for many reasons, I was really eager to come to Japan and and try a new experience. It was a dream I had held for a while and so I just packed my bags and came!”
Lucy found about Coto Japanese Academy through our website and after a brief Skype call she decided to join our school. At the time, she knew only very basic Japanese but she was highly motivated to learn more.
“I had a couple of evening lessons in London, but that’s all. So Coto was my actual first experience seriously studying Japanese and I loved it! I did a one-month Intensive Course and joined the part-time course afterward and then finally switched to private lessons. Perhaps, out of all, I prefer the private lessons because they’re very tailored and you can study what you really want to work on.”
“I love languages. I did an English literature degree and I’ve taught Latin. Part of the reason I wanted to come here was to learn the language and get my head around the culture. In particular, I like the visual etymology a lot, so I enjoy studying kanji. My speaking isn’t so good, but I know kanji pretty well.”
As soon as she arrived in Japan, Lucy traveled around the country. Doing so, she experienced what many foreigners feel as they get out of Tokyo.
“I’ve been to Kyoto, Hiroshima… But I was also interested in going to the countryside. I wanted to discover everything. I went to only one hike and got lost. It’s kind of scary. In Tokyo, you’re fine even if you don’t speak Japanese but as soon you get out of the city, it can be really difficult.”
Lucy had studied Japanese for several months when one of her friends came to Japan around October and they planned to visit a small town in the region of Fukushima.
“We really had a lovely trip going up to Fukushima and were able to get completely around, to find a way to for everything. I was able to ask people around and that was unbelievably satisfying! I definitely don’t think I would have been able to make that trip a year ago. I really liked that. It’s such a lovely way to discover Japan.”
Lucy is also very happy to have been able to meet Japanese people and to make friends in Japan.
“Japanese people are very patient when you’re learning. They’ll wait for you and help you if you can’t find the right word. So even if my Japanese is basic, I’m actually able to have friends who are Japanese even if they can’t speak English.”
During her year in Japan, she kept busy by working full-time as a freelancer.
“I had a really good experience. Moreover, I got to be very flexible with my Japanese classes. I worked with westerners and Japanese, half and half, teaching mix of languages and literature.”
Now that she’s headed back to London, she’s hoping to get on an international management masters with a focus in Japan.
“We’ll see, but I’ll certainly continue my Japanese study and I’ve found a teacher in London. I’d like to take one of the JLPT. My reading’s pretty good but… I don’t know yet!”

To learn more about our Japanese Language Courses fill out the form below

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Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.

 

Are you coming to Japan but haven’t started studying Japanese yet? Well, here’s one lesson you should learn – how to order a beer in Japanese!

Step 1: Finding a Bar

First, head out to a local izakaya (居酒屋いざかや), a casual restaurant that is perfect to order small dishes to be shared with your drinking companions. You’ll find izakayas all over Japan, ranging from cheap chains to classy establishments with private rooms.

As you enter the floor staff will welcome you with a very loud and enthusiastic いっらしゃいませ, which translates to ‘welcome’.

Also if you’re unsure of what to order at an Izakaya, try pointing to the item on the menu and simply ask “What is this on the Menu?” Though uncommon, some Japanese izakayas still do not adopt the habit of having photos accompany the items that they are selling. In this case, it would be best to ask if you’d like to avoid eating the innards of a chicken, pig or even cow!

Step 2: Ordering your Beer

Japan’s five domestic beer makers, Asahi, Kirin, Suntory, Sapporo and and Orion dominate 92% of the market, so you will have access to a lot of choices. Japanese people usually start by drinking draft beer as soon as they’re seated which you can order by saying:

とりあえず生なまビルください。(I’ll start with a beer please.)

Toriaezu means ‘for now’, ‘nama biru’ is draft beer and ‘kudasai’ stands for please in this context. You can even shorten it to just ‘biru’ but the waiter might ask you what kind of beer you would like. If your Japanese is as good as your waiter’s English, you would better avoid this situation.

Most common chains make the effort to include a few English translated menus but if the menu is in Japanese you will have to take a leap of faith and make a random choice.

If you’re not a beer person, that’s perfectly fine, you’ll find that izakaya offer an array of beverages. Here’s a few sample words to use:

Alcoholic drinks:

日本酒にっぽんしゅ – Nihonshu
梅酒うめしゅ – Umeshu
焼酎しょうちゅう – Shochu
ハイボール – High ball
ウィスキー – Whisky
ジン – Jin
ワイン – Wine

Non-alcoholic drinks:

コーラ – Coca cola
お茶ちゃ – tea
烏龍茶うーろんちゃ – Oolong tea
ジュース – Juice
お水みず – Water

Step 3: Toast!

Fresh beers are on the table, you’re with your good friends, it’s time for a loud toast! In Japan, it’s important to cheer first with a loud 乾杯かんぱい and then have a drink. It’s considered rude to start drinking before doing so.

If we take a closer look at the etymology, 乾杯 is constructed with the kanji ‘to dry’ and ‘cup (of alcoholic beverage)’, so it literally means ‘let’s dry our cup’.

Step 4: Ask for more Beer

Once you’re all set with your first beer, or any other drink, you can keep them coming with a very convenient expression:

お代かわりください。(One more, please.)

Usually a quick look at your table should suffice for the waiter to know what to bring you. If they look confused, however, you’ll have to step in. ‘Okawari’ meaning ‘another’ can also be used for food too.

If you would like to switch to another drink, master the following phrase:

____ をください.

Bonus: Toilet Break

Down a few drinks, and you will probably need to take a trip to the toilet. If you can’t find the sign anywhere, you can ask your way around with a very easy sentence:

すみません、トイレはどこですか。(Excuse me, where is the toilet?)

You might be interested to know that the Japanese language has three words for toilet. 便所べんじょ, 手洗てあらい, and the more common トイレ.

If you don’t feel like speaking Japanese at all, a simple “トイレは…” will do the trick as well.

Step 5: Paying for your Beer

Time’s up! You’ve had your fill and are ready to head home, or maybe continue the party to a second bar called a 二次会にじかい.

Whichever path you choose, before you leave you will have to ask for the bill. To do that you can say:

お会計かいけいください。(The bill please.)

In Japan, it’s common to split the bill equally and to avoid discussing over who ate what. Once you’ve settled up you can let the waiter know you appreciate the meal by saying:

ごちそうさまでした. (Thank you very much (for the meal).)

If you would like to extend your beer-related vocabulary, please check out our article on Toriaezu!

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If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo, find out more about our school by filling out the form below. Courses can be found here.

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Photo: Nori Norisa

Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.

Carlos has started his 3 month Intensive Course in February at Coto Japanese Academy. He’s passionate about Eastern Asian Culture and lived in China for a few years before moving to Japan in 2017.

Why did you want to come to Japan?

I’ve majored in Eastern Asian culture during my studies and I have always been fond of Asia. After working a few years in China, I felt it was time for me to take a break and experience something new. It’s natural that I decided to explore Tokyo and refresh my Japanese.

What do you enjoy about living here?

I like the general politeness and perfectionism you find in Japanese people, in any position and situation.

Carlos Testimonial

What was your level of Japanese when you arrived?

I had started studying Japanese in Spain. However, after a three year break, I got quite rusty! Luckily, knowing Chinese helps me a lot. In particular, I sort of understand kanji meaning easily, if not their readings. I guess my level is quite unbalanced.

What’s your level now?

This month (June), I’ve started the Intensive Course intermediate level.

How have you been able to use the Japanese you learn in school in your daily life?

Now, when I plan to go out with my Japanese friends, I make sure to review a few grammar points from my course. This enables me to have more deep and complex conversations. Before I started at Coto, I wasn’t really able to express myself fully. I would understand conversations, but got stuck in easy grammar.

Do you have a few funny stories resulting from your Japanese level to share?

Knowing Chinese definitely influences my understanding of Japanese! Quite often, I read ideograms both in Chinese and Japanese, and I always find interesting when their meanings differ greatly. For example, let’s take 怪我 (けが). In Chinese, it means “blame me”. However, in Japanese, it translates into “injury”.

Carlos Testimonial

What are the difficulties you have experienced in your daily life in Japan?

I mentioned earlier how I appreciate Japanese politeness. It’s true people are nice and welcoming here, but I feel difficult to start a conversation with a stranger.

What was the best experience you have resulting from your studies?

This “I get it!” moment, when you start to understand what’s going on around you. A grammar point you previously didn’t quite understand, that strange phrase heard in anime, suddenly, you realize they make sense to you. It’s awesome!

Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.

 

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here

Monthly Events at Coto

Lunch Tour In Kagurazaka

Thursday, July 6

Have you ever been to Kagurazaka? It is an enchanting neighborhood located 5 minutes walking from Coto Japanese Academy, where you can find many shops, fancy cafés, traditional and modern restaurants. Every month, we organize a lunch tour in one of the many delicious restaurants around this place.

  • Thursday, July 6
  • 12:30~13:50
  • Meeting place: Coto Japanese Academy 1F
  • Restaurant Shozantei
  • 1520 yen
  • Up to 20 people

Book



Cooking Class


Wednesday, July 12




Did you know that there are various different ways to make sushi? In this event, we will learn how to prepare 四海巻き（しかいまき）. Once you’ve learned how to make it, it is easy to make this dish at home too. We can create interesting designs based on your ideas! We look forward to seeing you at this event.


Book Appointment from Coubic


    

  • Wednesday, July 12
    • 

  • 12:40 – 13:50
    • 

  • Coto Japanese Academy 1F
    • 

  • 2500 yen
    • 

  • Up to 9 people
    • 



Soba Making Experience


Saturday, July 15




In Japan, buckwheat noodles are known as soba. If you’re curious to learn the soba-making tradition, join us to give it a try! You will learn how to make the noodles from scratch and enjoy a delicious lunch afterwards. Bonus, you’ll go back home with 500 grams of handmade soba!


Book Appointment from Coubic


    

  • Saturday, July 15
    • 

  • 10:40 – 13:30 
    • 

  • Meeting at Keiseiteishi Station
    • 

  • 4500 yen
    • 

  • Up to 15 people
    • 



Calligraphy Class


Wednesday July 19




If you are interested in learning how to draw each and every stroke in the Japanese Kanji character, this event is for you! Every month, Coto Japanese Academy will hold a calligraphy class. Learn the basics of calligraphy along with the artistic way of writing kanji, you will be practicing on three characters as shown below. The instructor, Wakana Shingae, is a professional calligrapher. Grab this opportunity to experience the traditions of Japan and participate in our calligraphy class!


Book Appointment from Coubic


    

  • Kanji: 星　海　愛
    • 

  • Wednesday, July 19
    • 

  • 12:40 – 13:50
    • 

  • Coto Japanese Academy 1F
    • 

  • 2500 yen
    • 

  • Up to 10 people
    • 

  • Instructor: Wakana Shingae
    • 





Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.


 

						

					

									

						

							
How long have you been in Japan and why did you decide to move here?


I’m back in the U.S. now; I was in Tokyo for two months. I’ve always been attracted towards Japan and the Japanese language, going all the way back to when I was a kid collecting Japanese pressings of Beatles records. I also went to architecture school in Japan about ten years ago, that piqued my interest in Japanese architecture and design.

I like that when I am in Japan, it is evident that there is a respect for design and visual order. And it is a matter of pride to keep things moving as smoothly as possible, as to not inconvenience the traveler, the commuter, the consumer, and the customer.




What was your level of Japanese when you arrived?


I have been studying Japanese on my own, with private instructors, at Japanese schools and over the internet for about seven years now. Although I can have everyday conversations, there are so many things that I am at an elementary school level at – such as reading and grammar. I was happy that just two months of classes at Coto Japanese Academy helped my kanji reading ability and my grammar considerably!


How have you been able to use the Japanese you learn in the school in your daily life?


I have many Japanese friends in Los Angeles. Since taking two months of Intensive Courses I have become more particular in my grammar usage as well as my pronunciation. I have noticed that my friends have responded to this and are more willing to engage me in all-Japanese conversation.




Do you have a few funny stories resulting from studying Japanese to share?


When learning Japanese, what is really important after a while is to just listen and figure out “how do they say it?” Japanese learners often want to want to plug in equivalent Japanese words for what they’re saying in English, but it really doesn’t work that way.

For example, instead of saying “I was drawn in by the appetizing smell”, in more natural Japanese one would say 美味しいそうな匂いに、そそられた。This roughly translates to “The seemingly tasty smell aroused me.” Of course one never says it this way in natural English.




What is something that surprised you when you first arrived in Japan?


I was immediately surprised by the automatic taxi doors! It took me a few rides – and a few displeased taxi drivers – to get used to that. Leave the doors to their own devices!


What’s your best tip for anyone thinking about moving to Japan?


If you move to Japan to improve your Japanese, you will have done the right thing! You’ll be surrounded by kanji. Everyday, a few more of the kanji you had just been studying in class will pop out at you, and bit by bit the advertisements on the subway will start making sense.


To learn more about our full time and part time Japanese Language Courses fill out the form below




Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.


 

						

					

									

						

							
This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here


Monthly Events at Coto






Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka


Thursday, June 8


Have you ever been to Kagurazaka? It is an enchanting neighborhood located 5 minutes walking from the Coto Japanese Academy, where you can find many shops, fancy cafés, traditional and modern restaurants. Every month, we organize a lunch tour in one of the many delicious restaurants around this place. If you want to join us and discover Kagurazaka, mail us and make your reservation now!




Book Appointment from Coubic


    

  • Date: Thursday, June  8
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  • Time: 12:30~13:50
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  • Meeting place: 12:30 at the 1F of the Coto Japanese Academy
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  • Place: Torijaya
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  • Fee: 1500 yen
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  • Number of participants: 16 people
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Cooking class! 


Wednesday, June 14




Oshizushi


Did you know that there are various different ways to make sushi? In this event, we will create an oshi-zushi design that is a real eye-pleaser. Once you’ve learned how to make it, it is easy to make this dish at home too. We can create interesting designs based on your ideas! We look forward to seeing you at this event.


Book Appointment from Coubic


    

  • Date: Wednesday, June 14
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  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
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  • Place: Coto Japanese Academy 1F
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  • Fee: 2500 yen
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  • Number of participants: up to 9 people
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  • Instructor: Emiko Shimizu (teacher from Coto)
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Kabuki Experience


Friday, June 16




Want to take a step towards understanding more about the Japanese culture? Let us all enjoy and appreciate a Kabuki performance in the National Theater! Watch the performance of a masterpiece depicting the various emotions of ordinary people in the Edo period from the first-floor seats!


Part Ⅰ: How to Appreciate KABUKI in English

Part Ⅱ: Experience the live performance of Kabuki


Book Appointment from Coubic


    

  • Date: Friday, June 16
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  • Time: 18:30-21:30
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  • Meeting time: 18:00 At the entrance of  National Theater (Large Theater)
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  • Place:National Theater in Hanzomon
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  • Address: 4-1  Hayabusa-cho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 102-8656
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  • Fee: 3900 yen →2500 yen
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*In order for everyone to get the chance to participate, tickets are limited to 2 per person.

*Audio guide rental service is included. Available languages are Japanese, English, Chinese (Mandarin), Korean and Spanish.


Calligraphy Class 


Wednesday, June 21




If you are interested in learning how to draw each and every stroke in the Japanese Kanji character, this event is for you! Every month, Coto Japanese Academy will hold a calligraphy class. Learn the basics of calligraphy along with the artistic way of writing kanji, you will be practicing on three characters as shown below. The instructor, Wakana Shingae, is a professional calligrapher. Grab this opportunity to experience the traditions of Japan and participate in our calligraphy class! Booking available at the reception (3F).


This month’s kanji: 雨 蛙 楽

Book Appointment from Coubic


    

  • Day: Wednesday, June 21
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  • Time: 12:40 – 13:50
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  • Place: Coto Japanese Academy 1F
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  • Fee: 2500 yen
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  • Number of participants: up to 10 people
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  • Instructor: Wakana Shingae
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Pera Pera Active Learning Night!


Saturday, June 24




Have you heard of the Japanese word “Perapera” ? It is used to describe someone who speaks a language very well! Coto’s Pera Pera Party is the perfect time for you to have a go at conversation in Japanese. Get the chance to practice your speaking with 20 Japanese native speakers and to chat about many topics in Japanese. During English speaking time… it will be your turn to be a teacher!


Book Appointment from Coubic


    

  • Date: Saturday, June 24
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  • Time: 18:15-21:15
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  • Place: Coto Japanese Academy  1F
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  • Fee: 1500yen for Coto students, 2000yen for non students/Japanese
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  • Number of participants: Native Japanese 20, Foreigners 20
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Apply quickly!




Coto Japanese Academy is a unique Japanese Language School in Iidabashi Tokyo, we offer relaxed and fun conversational lessons for all levels of Japanese learner. Coto Japanese Academy prides itself on its community atmosphere and fun lessons that focus on creation of opportunities to speak and learn Japanese. If you are interested in studying Japanese in Tokyo – please visit our contact page here.