Life in Japan No Longer Chaotic
It’s not that you’re not trying — it’s just really hard at the beginning in Japan Many newcomers arrive in Japan believing basic English is enough—until everyday life suddenly becomes stressful. From convenience store checkouts to restaurant orders and train stations, language barriers turn simple moments into daily struggles. The Survival Kit Japanese Course was […]
Survival Japanese: Trial Lesson for ¥2,000
The first month of living in Japan is often described as magical, disorienting, and overwhelming—all at once. You’re surrounded by a new culture, a new language, and an entirely different rhythm of daily life. Suddenly, even simple tasks like buying toothpaste, ordering lunch, or figuring out the right train transfer become small challenges. Without the […]
Kotatsu Season: The Warmth of Language and Culture
As the chill of winter settles over Japan, many households pull out one of the coziest treasures of Japanese living: the kotatsu. This low wooden table, covered with a thick blanket and warmed from below, isn’t just a piece of furniture. It’s a symbol of comfort, connection, and communication—values that reflect the very heart of […]
Celebrating Bunka no Hi in Japan
Bunka no hi, or Culture Day, is a national holiday celebrated annually on November 3 in Japan. The holiday commemorates the anniversary of the promulgation of the Constitution of Japan in 1946. It is a day for promoting peace and culture, and is also considered a day of reflection on the nation’s past. The history […]
Disaster Prevention Workshop Corporate Training: Toranomon Language School and Mitsui O.S.K. Lines
Japan is a country where natural disasters, particularly earthquakes, are very common. For those living and working here, understanding how to respond in critical moments is not only a matter of safety but also of responsibility to one’s colleagues and community. Disaster preparedness is an essential skill, but for many foreign workers, the language barrier […]
Walk & Learn: Experiencing Japan’s National Sport — Sumo!
At Toranomon Language School, we believe that language learning doesn’t stop in the classroom — it happens in real life, too. Our Walk & Learn events are designed to help students experience Japanese language and culture firsthand, putting what they’ve learned into practice in real-world situations. Earlier this year, our students had the exciting opportunity […]
Common Mistakes of Newcomers to Japan and How to Avoid Them
Moving to Japan is an exciting experience, but it also comes with challenges that can be easy to overlook. Even simple daily tasks or social interactions can feel complicated without prior knowledge of local customs, etiquette, and language. Learning from the common mistakes of others can help you avoid misunderstandings and start your new life […]
Nomikai: What to Expect and How to Prepare
For many professionals in Japan, the nomikai (drinking party) is as much a part of the workplace as the office itself. While not officially mandatory, these gatherings are deeply ingrained in Japanese work culture and often provide opportunities to strengthen relationships, build trust, and connect with colleagues in a more relaxed setting. For foreign professionals, […]
Working in Japan as a Student
Studying in Japan is an incredible opportunity to experience a new culture, strengthen your language skills, and expand your career prospects. For many international students, working part-time is also a way to support living expenses and gain real-world experience. Before diving in, it’s important to understand the rules, opportunities, and challenges that come with part-time […]
Building Your Professional Network in Japan
In Japan, career growth is as much about who you know as what you know. While skills and qualifications are important, strong professional relationships can open doors to new opportunities, industry insights, and long-term collaborations. For foreign professionals, understanding how to build a network in Japan requires a mix of cultural awareness, communication skills, and […]