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 […]

NOMINICATION: Elevate Your Language Skills and Network at Our Bilingual Event

We’re thrilled to announce the return of our popular COURRiER x TLS NOMINICATION event—this time, it’s even bigger and better! On Wednesday, October 9th, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, join us at WeWork Toranomon for a unique bilingual experience designed to bring together both English speakers and Japanese speakers for language learning, networking, and fun. In collaboration with COURRiER Japon, this event will offer level-based workshops in both English and Japanese, allowing participants to practice small talk and conversational skills in a relaxed, enjoyable environment. Whether you’re just beginning to learn a new language or are already comfortable conversing, we’ve structured the event so everyone can join in at […]

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 […]

“Walk and Learn Japanese” continue at the Minato Science Museum

The Minato Science Museum was today’s destination for our “Walk and Learn” where our students had the opportunity to experience many interactive exhibits. We walked here with the students offering them sights of the city. There were many interactive activities to choose from, one of them being a room with X-Ray vision where they had to sort through colored objects. Another great one was a full scan of their body, where they got to see an X-Ray of their bones and understand the workings of the human body. These “walk and learn” teach the students the importance of patience and kindness as the older students will often help the younger […]

Living life in Japan- Learn a language through cooking

Leaning a new language goes together with understanding the culture. An enjoyable way to learn that is also immersive is through cooking! Cooking will help you learn practical vocabulary and give you a taste of the culture. Another great way to learn a language is by enrolling in our courses through Toranomon Language School. Keep reading to the end to see what we offer. This series is a great way to connect with fellow peers through activities and interests by signing up for our courses listed below! Start by choosing a new recipe you wish to learn, and then label all the ingredients in the language you are learning. This […]

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 […]

Living life in Japan

Our students’ interests are always our first priority Our new blog series “Living life in Japan” is targeted towards people who just recently moved to Japan, or those already living in Japan with the same interests. Today, we are going to tell you how learning Japanese can be easier when you approach in a way proven effective scientifically. Here at Toranomon Language School we believe that learning a language should be an engaging and personal experience. We have an approach that is centered around customizing lessons to align with our students’ interests. When you enroll with us, we take the time to understand your unique interests and goals. Then we […]

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 […]

Develop a growth mindset to master a new language

A growth mindset is the belief people have that abilities as well as intelligence can be formed through dedication and hard work. It is staying resilient even in difficult times and continuing to push forward. Want to learn how to cultivate a growth mind for your professional and personal? Here is how! Learn to embrace challenges Challenges are growth opportunities in disguise. Rather than avoiding conflicts, allow yourself to tackle themselves head on. You will learn that each challenge you face will help you develop new skills. Nothing can improve if you stay in your comfort zone. When you approach challenging tasks, take it one step at a time. Trying […]

Join us on today’s “Walk and Learn” at the TEPIA Advanced Technology Gallery!

Toranomon Language School’s “Walk and Learn” continued today (July 12th) at the TEPIA Advanced Technology Gallery! We took five of our students on an interactive field trip today at this 8-story office and TV studio here in Tokyo. Tepia showcases technologies aimed at solving problems in each theme, as well as technologies that aim for the coexistence of humans and nature. They provide hands on activities and experiences to help students get involved in science and technology. It provides a perfect environment to explore new elements of learning Japanese! To get to our destination, we took the train! This allows kids to navigate the city and teaches them about real-world experiences. They walked […]