Meet & Mingle Tokyo: A Night of Language, Networking, and New Connections

A big thank you to everyone who attended our event and made it a fun and memorable night! A special thank you goes out to everyone who attended Meet & Mingle and made the evening truly unforgettable. Your enthusiasm, openness, and willingness to connect with others created an inspiring atmosphere that made the event a success. We are grateful for your participation and look forward to seeing many of you at future events. Your presence and energy are what make these gatherings so special! On November 27th, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM, we hosted our highly anticipated Meet & Mingle event at WeWork Hibiya Fort Tower. Designed to bring together […]

Your First Step to Fluent Japanese: Free Trial Lesson, Limited Spots!

Tuesday, October 29th or Thursday, October 31st from 6:30-7:30 PM Are you an expat in Japan struggling to navigate daily conversations? Or maybe you’re simply looking for a way to feel more confident when speaking Japanese in everyday situations? At Toranomon Language School, we understand the challenges expats face, and that’s why we’ve designed our “Speak with Confidence” course—a practical and immersive way to master the essentials of daily Japanese. Why Join Our Free Trial Lesson? Our FREE trial lesson offers you a unique opportunity to experience firsthand the transformative learning environment at Toranomon Language School. Meet our dedicated team of experienced teachers, immerse yourself in interactive exercises, and discover […]

Thank You for Joining NOMINICATION!

We’re thrilled to say that our first-ever bilingual event, NOMINICATION, cohosted by COURRiER Japon held on October 9th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, was a fantastic success! Around 50 people, both expats and Japanese locals, came together for an evening of engaging discussions, cultural exchange, and networking. Throughout the event, participants had the chance to discuss 2 hot topics topics and connect with one another, exchanging experiences and insights in both English and Japanese. We also included a fun network activity that allowed attendees to quickly meet new people and practice their language skills in a relaxed, social atmosphere. It seemed that they never wanted to stop. We’re thrilled […]

Mastering Small Talk: A Guide for Japanese Learners

At Toranomon Language School, we are committed to providing more than just language instruction. Our approach includes teaching intercultural differences and practical Japanese that you can use in real-life situations. One essential aspect of effective communication is mastering small talk, which varies significantly across cultures. Cultural Differences in Small Talk Understanding small talk is crucial for making meaningful connections, and it varies greatly between cultures. In Japan, the norms for small talk can be quite different from those in other countries. For example, in many other cultures, it’s common to strike up conversations with strangers in various settings, such as elevators or queues. However, in Japan, it is sad that […]

How speaking Japanese can benefit your career

The country of Japan has *the fourth largest economy in the world and there are abundant opportunities for work in fields like technology, finance, and manufacturing. In these jobs, there is a high demand for Japanese language skills, and by speaking this language you will stand out as a candidate. Regardless of if you are a student or professional, learning Japanese will provide an array of opportunities and careers. Here is a list of reasons why learning Japanese will benefit your career.  *As of the year 2023. Building Stronger Customer Relations or Internal Relations The ability to effectively and confidently communicate with Japanese customers in their native language will create […]

Japanese Tea Ceremonies- A Quintessential Experience

The Japanese tea ceremony, also known as “sado”, is a tradition rich in history. It is a process of preparing and drinking tea. Traditionally, these ceremonies are held on a tatami floor which is a thick, woven straw mat. The main purpose of attending these ceremonies is for guests to enjoy the hospitality and atmosphere provided for them that is much more relaxing than everyday life. In modern times, these ceremonies are most commonly practiced as a hobby and are open for tourists to experience as well. Tea ceremonies vary in formality and authenticity, and Kyoto or Uji, about six hours outside of Tokyo, are two of the best places […]

Preparing your child for a new school year in Japan

Starting a new school year in a different country can be both scary and exciting, especially for children who are adjusting to a new culture and language. As a parent, there are several helpful ways to ensure your child transitions smoothly into their new school environment in Japan. Understanding the Japanese School System Familiarizing yourself with the Japanese school system is definitely beneficial. In Japan, the school year typically starts in April and ends in March and is divided into three terms. Summer break is in August, winter break is around the New Year and there is a spring break in March. The schools are divided into elementary, junior high […]

Best cafes to work remotely

For many people, working remote means working from home, but this does not have to be the case. Let us give you a brief description of best cafes in Tokyo to work in for a nice, new change of scenery. Coffee Valley, Ikebukuro This two-story coffee shop is a great place to set your laptop down and dive into your work. With its minimalist atmosphere, this cozy shop it located about five minutes from Ikebukuro station. Weekdays seem to be fairly slow while the weekends get much more packed. Caffice, Shinjuku Caffice is a great spot in Tokyo, centrally located in Shinjuku which makes it an easy spot to stop […]

How to remain connected to home as an expat

As an expat, you may feel perfectly content in your new home, but it is normal to miss certain aspects of where you are originally from. There are ways to bridge that gap and stay connected to the customs or people you may be missing! Eat foods from home There will be times where you may miss the flavors you grew up with whether it is something spicy or sweet. No matter where you are, most types of cuisine can be found in all parts of the world, so try and track down a restaurant that you feel will bring you comfort. If you are on a budget or cannot […]

Communication in Japanese Business Culture

Effective use of communication is the key to success, but cross-cultural communication can either help or hurt your business productivity. When engaging with international companies, specifically Japan where lots of emphasis is placed on work culture, it can be intimidating. Let us share with you some insights for verbal and nonverbal communication inJapanese business culture and how to effectively communicate with Japanese companies. When it comes to business, Japanese people want to do it with someone they know they can trust. Relationships are often built through informal gatherings involving a large amount of eating and drinking Punctuality First and foremost, do not be late. There are no excuses for tardiness […]