The values behind Respect-for-the-Aged Day are important reminders for all of us. But why?

The bonodori is a spiritual dance to welcome the spirits. Every region has a local dance and a different music.

Can you believe we’re already in February? The winter season has well and truly settled in, but for those of you wanting to get out and ski or snowboard, there is still some time left to take advantage of some impressively high snowfalls expected to continue for the rest of the season! In case you […]

The National Foundation Day, 建国記念（けんこくきねん）の日（ひ）, is a Japanese national holiday celebrated on February 11. This day marks the founding of the nation and the accession of the first Emperor Jimmu! According to the legend, the Emperor Jimmu is a descendant of the sun goddess Amaterasu and Japan’s first ruler. His accession is traditionally dated as 660 […]

What are your plans for the Winter break? Time to close your books, folders and computer for a while for some time with your family and friends, catching-up on sleep and your favorite TV shows. But there will come a time when you’ve indulged in one too many holiday treats and exhausted your Netflix options. […]

Tomorrow (Friday, December 23) is the Emperor’s Birthday (天皇誕生日) – a Japanese national holiday! The date is determined by the reigning Emperor’s birthdate, Akihito,  who was born on this date in 1933. The 23rd has been observed as a National Holiday since Emperor Akihito acceded the throne, in 1989. On this occasion, a public ceremony takes […]

Did you know Japan also celebrates a Labor Thanksgiving Day? The Japanese government established this public national holiday in 1948 after the World War II. This holiday, taking place annually on November 23, commemorates people’s hard work. On that day, called 勤労感謝（きんろうかんしゃ）の日（ひ） in Japanese, people are encouraged to express their thanks to others. In particular, elementary children […]

You might have heard of Silver Week (シルバーウィーク), an expression coined in 2009, referring to 3 consecutive Japanese national holidays in early autumn. But did you know that the Japanese Silver Week, in fact, does not occur annually?  The Respect for the Aged Day And… On that day, the Japanese pay their respect to the elderly and […]

Coto Japanese Academy will only be open for the Golden Week 5 Day Course on May 3rd, 4th, and 5th.  Please note that on April 29th and May 3/4/ 5, there will be no Private Lesson nor Nihongo Plus classes!  The 29th of April marks the start of a very special week for the Japanese, as […]

  The Japanese Calendar sure can be a wonder for those who enjoy learning about the Japanese culture and traditions. Every month, with the exception of June, has a holiday. and with 20th March just around the corner lies Shunbun no Hi – the Spring Equinox Day, 春分の日. What is 春分の日 (Shunbun no Hi)?Cultural Beliefs What […]