Something people mention when speaking of why they want to experience Japan is the appeal of understanding such a unique culture to their own.

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 […]

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto We are planning the following events in September. Please send your request for participation to info@cotoacademy.com! Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka Thursday, September 1st, 12:30-13:50 at Kagurazaka                     […]

Are you wondering how to beat the Japanese summer heat? Indulge yourself with a refreshing kakigori a shaved or crushed ice dessert flavored with syrup and other delicious topping! Symbol of Japanese summer and love by Japanese people, the shaved ice is sold almost everywhere in cafe, restaurants, and is an essential of street festivals. Kakigori is […]

Japanese Summer is finally around the corner and despite the heat in this season, there are many things to enjoy. Time for you to boost your conversation with 20 perfect Japanese seasonal words for summer! This time of year, festivals are held continuously which hyped up the summer spirit. What is summer without dressing up in […]

Did you know that in Japan, not so long after the New Year’s celebrations, Japanese people celebrate the festival of the Little New Year? Historically, the “koshougatsu” took place around mid-February, celebrating the first full moon of the year, but nowadays the festival takes place on the 15th of January. The rites and customs are celebrated […]

You can learn a lot about Japan just by looking at its calendar. Full of surprises and very interesting facts, the Japanese calendar is a door to the traditions and culture of Japan. For example, did you know that the 7th of January is called “nanakusa no sekku”? Written “七草の節句”, nanakusa no sekku means the […]

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto Join Local festival and Omikoshi experience in Iidabashi 夏祭り・おみこし体験をしよう！ Friday, September 11th 17:00-21:00 in Iidabashi Are you up for the Omikoshi challenge with the locals? The Tsukudo-jinja Shrine Festival is held mid-September in Iidabashi Chiyoda Ward. […]

Coto Japanese Academy’s Summer Photo Contest is BACK! All you have to do to take part is to post a picture of your experience during Summer in Japan and you stand a chance to win up to 10,000yen worth of exciting prizes! Contest details Theme: Japan’s Summer in 2015 Contest Period: 13th July to 20th […]

Coto’s Spring 春 photo contest entries! 1.九段下、千鳥が淵/ Chidorigafuchi, Kudanshita Submitted by Tunimaal, With the sakuras surrounding you, the light breeze that brushes past your face as you row the river, what a beautiful image of spring!   2.新宿、ゴールデン街/GoldenGai, Shinjuku Submitted by Alex Guevara. Golden Gai has long been a staple of nightlife in Japan, have […]