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 Japanese culture. What is a Kotatsu? A kotatsu is more than just a way to stay warm. It’s where families gather to share meals, tell stories, and enjoy quiet time together. Its origins date back centuries to when people used sunken hearths (irori) to heat their homes. Over time, the design evolved, but its meaning […]

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 of Culture Day in Japan Bunka no hi has its origins in the Meiji period, when the Meiji Emperor declared that November 3rd would be a day to celebrate the arts and literature. This was in response to the growing Western influence in Japan at the time. The holiday was originally called Bunka-sai, but was […]

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 […]

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 to attend one of Japan’s most iconic cultural events: a professional Sumo tournament. A Day of Tradition, Excitement, and Language in Action From the moment we arrived at the arena, the energy was unforgettable. The smell of yakitori filled the air, the crowd buzzed with excitement, and the rhythmic sounds of taiko drums signaled the […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 work in Japan. Legal Basics International students in Japan are allowed to work part-time, but only under certain conditions. You must first apply for a Permission to Engage in Activity Other Than That Permitted by the Status of Residence (資格外活動許可). This permit allows you to work up to 28 hours per week during the school […]

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 strategic effort. Understanding Networking in a Japanese Context In many Western countries, networking often happens through casual, direct conversations at events. In Japan, however, relationships tend to develop gradually and are built on trust over time. First impressions matter, but the real strength of a network comes from consistent, respectful interaction. Building rapport might require […]

Attending Career Fairs and Job Seminars as a Foreigner in Japan

For foreigners seeking employment in Japan, career fairs and job seminars can be valuable entry points into the job market. These events offer more than just a chance to submit your resume; they are opportunities to engage directly with companies, better understand expectations, and build connections that can lead to future opportunities. Why Career Fairs Matter Japan’s recruitment culture still heavily values in-person interaction, even as online applications become more common. Career fairs allow job seekers to make an impression beyond a paper CV. For foreigners, these events also offer a chance to assess how open a company might be to hiring non-Japanese staff. Many job fairs in Japan are […]

Working in Japan This Summer? Here’s the Business Etiquette You Might Not Expect

If this is your first summer working in Japan, you might find that the season brings more than just heat, it also introduces a unique set of customs and business norms that might be unfamiliar at first. Understanding these seasonal shifts can help you blend into the workplace more smoothly and avoid misunderstandings. Here’s what to expect and how to prepare when navigating Japanese work culture during the summer. The “Cool Biz” Culture One of the first things you’ll notice when temperatures rise is that business attire starts to change. Japan’s government encourages companies to adopt a “Cool Biz” dress code between May and October. This means you’ll likely see […]