Coto Culture Experience Course: Japan’s National Sport – 相撲 Sumo

Sumo, with its colossal wrestlers and lightning-fast throws, is more than just a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply woven into the fabric of Japanese society. Sumo offers a unique glimpse into Japanese tradition, discipline, and raw athleticism, from its ancient Shinto roots to its modern-day tournaments. With this, in last week’s culture course, the […]

Quick Guide: Commonly Used Terms related to Sumo Wrestling

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 […]

Coto Events in February 2017

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto We are planning the following events in February 2017. Please send your request for participation to info@cotoacademy.com! Japanese Ink Painting Class Wednesday, February 1 Take a brush and a piece of washi paper and learn how […]

Coto Events in January 2017

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto We are planning the following events in January 2017. Please send your request for participation to info@cotoacademy.com! Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka Thursday, January 12 Have you ever been to Kagurazaka? It is an enchanting neighborhood located […]

Coto’s events in June! Pera Pera Night is back!

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto Coto Japanese Academy events in June are so promising! Perapera Night, Lunch Tour, Calligraphy Class, Kabuki Show & a Special Cooking Class! Perapera Active Learning Night Perapera Active Learning Night Friday, June  3rd Have you heard of the Japanese […]

Have you ever seen live sumo? The Grand Sumo Tournament

The 40th Grand Sumo Tournament In Coto Japanese Academy every February we have an appointment with Sumo. Come with us and discover the picture of an incredible Grand Sumo Tournament at the Ryogoku Kokugikan, near the sumida river! We went just as viewers, of course! During the event, we enjoyed the exciting fights between the […]

Coto’s event in February 2016

This is an older post – to see our upcoming monthly events – click here Monthly Events at Coto We are planning the following events in February. Please send your request for participation to info@cotoacademy.com Lunch Tour in Kagurazaka Thursday, February 4th, 12:30-13:50 Let’s discover the very popular Kagurazaka area, also called the Little Paris, […]

The Japanese little New Year: koshougatsu

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 […]

Japanese New Year: The lasting traditions

Did you know that until the Meiji era, the Japanese New Year calendar was similar to the Chinese calendar? It was only until 1873 that the Japanese New Year changed for the Gregorian calendar, however, all the traditional customs were maintained.  January is a great time to discover Japan! The Japanese New Year culture is also great occasion […]

Japanese Slang: ガチ (Gachi)

What is ガチ/”Gachi”? Using Japanese Slang When you are learning a foreign language, studying slang is an easy and fun way to deepen your vocabulary. Not only will you speak more fluently but you will sound more like a native speaker. Moreover, slang gives you an interesting point of view on society. Let’s learn more about Japanese slang with the word […]