Surviving Your First Japanese Company Event: What to Expect and How to Speak

Company events—whether it’s a nomikai (drinking party), kōryūkai (networking event), or a seasonal celebration—are an important part of professional culture in Japan. For many foreign professionals, these events can feel unfamiliar or stressful, especially when navigating subtle expectations and polite language. Fortunately, with the right preparation and key Japanese phrases, you can participate confidently and make a great impression. This guide will help you understand what typically happens at a Japanese company event, what behaviors are expected, and the useful expressions you can use to communicate naturally and respectfully. 1. What You Can Expect at a Japanese Company Event A structured yet relaxed atmosphere Even casual Japanese company events have […]

Beginner-Friendly Japanese Vocabulary to Survive Your First Year in Japan

Moving to Japan is exciting, but it can also be overwhelming—especially when it comes to language. Even if you’ve studied Japanese before arriving, you may struggle in everyday situations like commuting, shopping, dining, and interacting with colleagues. Learning essential words and phrases can help you navigate daily life confidently. Here’s an extensive list to get you started. 1. Transportation & Commuting 2. Shopping & Daily Essentials 3. Dining & Food 4. Housing & Daily Life 5. Work & Office 6. Social & Daily Interactions 7. Numbers, Time, & Dates 8. Emergency & Safety Mastering these essential words will help you navigate your first year in Japan with confidence, independence, and […]

Mastering Japanese Business Emails: Key Phrases Every Professional Should Know

For many foreign professionals working in Japan, one of the biggest challenges isn’t meetings, presentations, or small talk—it’s writing Japanese business emails. Even if you can speak conversational Japanese, business writing often feels like a completely different language: formal, indirect, structured, and full of set expressions that are rarely taught in textbooks. But once you understand the patterns, Japanese emails become predictable, clear, and easier to master. This guide covers the essential structure, the must-know phrases, and the professional writing habits you’ll need to communicate confidently in any Japanese workplace. 📩 1. Understanding the Japanese Email Structure Unlike English emails—which allow for a flexible structure—Japanese business emails follow a well-established […]

Savoring Autumn in Japan: A Guide to Seasonal Foods

Autumn in Japan isn’t just about colorful leaves—it’s also a season full of delicious, culturally significant foods. From matsutake mushrooms to nabe (hot pot) dishes, these seasonal specialties offer a taste of Japanese life and traditions, connecting residents to both nature and culture. Matsutake Mushrooms (松茸) – These rare, aromatic mushrooms are prized in Japanese cuisine and symbolize luxury and hospitality. Often served in rice dishes or soups, matsutake are a seasonal delicacy that marks the arrival of autumn and is traditionally given as a gift to express gratitude. Persimmons (柿) – Persimmons are a staple of the season and come in both fresh and dried (干し柿) forms. In Japanese […]

🏢 The Phrases Every Professional Should Know for Japanese Meetings

Meetings are a vital part of business culture everywhere — but in Japan, they can feel like a completely different world. Hierarchies are more visible, politeness levels matter deeply, and communication often relies on subtle phrasing rather than direct statements. For many foreign professionals working in Japan, even with solid Japanese skills, participating in meetings can feel intimidating. You might wonder: At Toranomon Language School, we’ve helped countless international professionals find their voice in Japanese workplaces. Below are key phrases, and the communication mindset behind them, that can help you navigate your next meeting with confidence and cultural awareness. 💡 Before the Meeting: Set the Tone with Politeness The way […]

[Now Enrolling] Group Trial Lessons for All Learners

Have you ever thought: “I started studying Japanese, but I couldn’t keep it up. I attended a Japanese school, but the textbook-based lessons just didn’t fit me.” If you live in the Toranomon area and feel stuck, Toranomon Language School can help. We offer customizable group trial lessons to seriously improve your Japanese. We specialize in lessons for everyone, from business professionals to newcomers of Tokyo, our lessons are built to truly meet your individual needs. Interested? Experience our group trial lessons so you can see what we’re all about! What Makes Our Lessons Unique Starting at only ¥2,000 per lesson, our group trial lessons are not like your typical […]

Three Reasons Parents Choose the Winter Kids Program at Toranomon Language School

Winter break is a precious time when kids can focus on their language skills without being overwhelmed by school homework and daily lessons. Toranomon Language School is making the most of this time by offering the intensive group-style Winter Kids Program to help improve your child’s Japanese skills. Parents who are worried about their child being shy in a group setting do not need to worry. Our lessons are designed to stimulate curiosity and create a comfortable environment for your child to speak Japanese. ❄️ Three Reasons to Choose this Program: 1. A small class environment that fosters concentration: By taking advantage of the winter break to intensively expose your […]

Explore Our Group Courses: Find the Japanese Program That Fits You

Whether you’re new to Japan or aiming to take your Japanese to the next level, Toranomon Language School offers a range of group courses tailored to different goals and learning styles. Each course is designed with one mission in mind — to help you communicate confidently, live comfortably, and connect meaningfully in Japanese. With small class sizes, bilingual teachers, and practical, real-world lessons, TLS ensures that every learner can progress quickly while enjoying the process. 🗣 Survival Kit: Speak Confidently from Lesson One If you’re new to Japan or still finding your footing, the Survival Kit course is your perfect starting point. This 8-lesson program helps you master the essentials […]

🇯🇵 Strengthen Your Child’s Japanese Skills This Winter

Even Shy Kids Will Be Engaged! Information on Toranomon Language School’s “Winter Kids Intensive Group Lessons” Winter break is the perfect opportunity for children to open the door to a new cultural experience. With no homework or daily lessons to worry about, kids can focus on improving the skills that matter most. At Toranomon Language School, we’re offering our Winter Kids Intensive Group Lessons (December 8th – January 9th) designed to help children strengthen their Japanese language skills in a fun and supportive environment. Parents who may be concerned about their child being shy in group settings won’t need to worry—our lessons are designed to spark curiosity, encourage participation, and […]

Discover Our Winter Japanese Program for Kids

This winter, give your child the opportunity to strengthen their Japanese skills through our short-term intensive program at Toranomon Language School. Running from December 8th to January 9th, the program is designed for children who want to improve their Japanese in a structured yet engaging environment. With a combination of interactive lessons, practical exercises, and personalized guidance, students can build a strong foundation for continued learning while having fun. Personalized Skill Development Every child has unique strengths and areas for growth in language learning. Joining this program starts with a free consultation to understand your child’s current abilities, learning style, and goals. Whether they want to focus on one core […]