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 […]
Supporting Embassy Employee Integration: Spanish Embassy Case Study
Relocating to Japan can be both exciting and challenging — especially for professionals who must quickly adapt to new cultural norms, work environments, and daily routines. To support this transition, Toranomon Language School partnered with the Embassy of Spain in Japan to deliver a tailored Japanese Integration Program for newly arrived embassy staff. Newcomers to Japan often encounter a steep learning curve: navigating transportation systems, handling daily errands, and communicating effectively in the workplace — all while adapting to a unique cultural environment. For embassy employees, mastering these skills is essential not only for personal comfort but also for maintaining effective international collaboration and diplomacy. Our Approach TLS designed a […]
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 can make learning these procedures overwhelming. At Toranomon Language School, we had the opportunity to support Mitsui O.S.K. Lines by providing corporate training services during a recent Disaster Prevention Workshop. Our role was to act as a bridge between the Japanese collaboration workshop with Mitsui O.S.K. Lines and Minato-ku Disaster Prevention Division for the company’s […]
The Many Ways to Say “Very” in Japanese
If you’ve been studying Japanese for a while, you’ve probably learned the word とても (totemo), one of the most common way to say “very.” But as you listen to real Japanese conversations, you might notice that people often use other words instead, such as: すごく (sugoku), めっちゃ (meccha), or 超 (chou). In Japanese there are several ways to say “very,” each carrying different nuances, levels of formality, and emotional tone. Understanding when and how to use them can help make your Japanese sound more natural and expressive. とても is the most standard and widely used way to say “very.” It works in both spoken and written Japanese and is appropriate […]
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 in Japan with confidence. Misunderstanding Social Norms Everyday Life Challenges Dining Etiquette Workplace Misunderstandings Start Confidently with the Right Guidance Avoiding these common mistakes is easier when you have practical language skills and cultural knowledge. Our Survival Kit course helps newcomers navigate daily life and workplace situations with confidence, while our Intensive Course accelerates learning […]
The Difference Between は and が Explained Simply
If you’ve started learning Japanese, chances are you’ve stumbled over は (wa) and が (ga). Even intermediate learners struggle with these two particles, because English doesn’t have a direct equivalent. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense. は = Topic Marker Think of は as setting the stage of your sentence. It tells your listener, “This is what we’re talking about now.” Examples: が = Subject Marker が points out the specific subject that performs an action or is being described. It is often used when introducing new information or when you want to emphasize the subject itself. Examples: Comparing は and が Together A useful way […]
Top 100 Japanese Words Every Beginner Should Master
Learning Japanese can feel like a huge challenge at first, but the good news is that you don’t have to memorize thousands of words right away. Starting with the most common and useful vocabulary will give you the foundation you need to begin speaking and understanding daily conversations. To help you on your journey, we’ve compiled 100 essential Japanese words every beginner should know, broken down into categories. 1. Greetings & Basics 2. People & Pronouns 3. Numbers & Time 4. Common Verbs 5. Daily Life Words 6. Food & Drinks 7. Places & Nature 8. Adjectives & Descriptions 9. Question Words 10. Handy Expressions Final Thoughts By mastering these […]
Kanji Radicals Explained: The Building Blocks of Japanese
If you have started learning kanji, you may have noticed that many characters share familiar parts. These repeating elements are called radicals (部首 “bushu”), and they are one of the most powerful tools for understanding and remembering kanji. By learning radicals, you unlock patterns that make kanji study easier, faster, and much less overwhelming. What Are Radicals? Radicals are the basic components that make up kanji. Think of them like the “alphabet” pieces inside more complex characters. Each radical usually carries its own meaning or theme. For example, the radical for “water” (氵) appears in kanji related to liquids, like 海 (umi, ocean) and 酒 (sake, alcohol). There are around […]
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, understanding how nomikai work can make them less intimidating and much more rewarding. What to Expect at a Nomikai How to Prepare for a Nomikai Preparation begins with knowing your own limits. It is perfectly acceptable to pace yourself and to opt for non-alcoholic drinks if you prefer. Learning a few key Japanese phrases for […]