A key language lesson to learn in Japan is how to order beers at a restaurant!

At Coto we’re very excited about our upcoming 3rd year anniversary! As a big thank you to all our current and potential new students we are pleased to announce a special deal on our Intensive Course. Sign up for our 3 month or 6 month special and the enrolment and course material fees are waived! […]

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 […]

In Japan, Valentine’s Day is all about women giving chocolate to men, a strong tradition going back to the 50s. What’s more, chocolate is given not only to lovers but also to male co-workers, bosses, and friends! Last but not least, despite the large displays of chocolate in department stores and grocery stores from January, a majority […]

Spectating a Sumo Match Sumo Terminologies Sumo Techniques   Spectating a Sumo Match Every year on the first Sunday of February, our students and the Coto Japanese Academy team get the chance to witness the annual Sumo Grand Tournament in Kokugikan, Tokyo’s indoor stadium where 3 out of the six yearly tournaments are held. 相撲（すもう） dates back […]

Do you experience setbacks and frustration while learning Japanese? When you forget to see the progress that you’re making and losing motivation, let go of the grammar and the kanji.  Take the time to pick-up a few Japanese phrases here and there. You’ll have a fun understanding their meaning and it’ll give you insight on how Japanese people think. […]

Every year, Jiyukokuminsha publishing house, known for its annual book of slang, hold a buzzwords competition capturing social, political and entertainment trends of the year. The winning word or phrase is chosen by a selection jury from the shortlist drawn up by the publisher. And 2016’s grand prize word, kamitteru, was inspired by a great baseball performance! 神（かみ）ってる Kamitteru […]

Studying for the JLPT N3? After working through ‘Minna no Nihongo’, gloriously passing JLPT levels N5 or N4 and mastering the basic grammar needed to order your favourite sushi, your next step should be to level up to JLPT N3. This level is described as ‘the ability to understand Japanese used in everyday situations. Looking […]

Have you ever heard the expression “yuuki yomeru” (空気読める – “to read the air”) in Japanese? Ever stumbled across the expression “Kuuki Yomenai”? This Japanese slang is literally translated as “cannot read the air” and jokingly applies to people who struggle to read social situations. Reading The AtmosphereKuuki Yomenai and Social AwkwardnessHow NOT to be KY? Reading […]

How do you express your emotions in Japanese? If you’re learning Japanese, it’s helpful to know how to let other know what you’re feeling. We’ve gathered a quick list of essential words that might come in handy. Nevertheless, don’t worry about memorizing too much! Japanese Verbs to Express Emotion Happiness 笑（わら）う – laugh 褒（ほ）める – encourage […]