About Us
Learn about Coto and our mission to teach Japanese.
Our Mission
Coto Academy is a community-built, community-first Japanese language school with a mission to make learning Japanese accessible. We want people to thrive in their new life in Japan.
Your Growth is our Goal
Since 2000, I’ve made friends with people who fall in love with Japanese culture. Our mission is simple: to provide practical and useful Japanese skills, and to share the beauty and history of Japanese culture worldwide.
I hope our online class allows people from around the world to see and make Japan their home.
Yukiko Watanabe
Director
Our Vision
Who We Are
We started as a group of Japanese volunteer teachers, working in a two-bedroom apartment.
For 20 years, our team has delivered quality Japanese lessons to residents and short-term visitors in Japan. We have expanded to new Japanese schools in Shibuya and Yokohama. But our core mission has always been the same: making the Japanese language a gateway for people to live and thrive in Japan.
In 2022, we launched Coto School Finder to bring that mission to learners worldwide. It’s a free, multilingual service that connects overseas students with top Japanese language schools offering student visas. We partner with 15+ trusted schools across Japan, including in Tokyo, Osaka, Fukuoka, Hokkaido, and Nagoya.
Learn from Professional Japanese Teachers
Our courses are designed by professional Japanese instructors who have a wealth of experience.
Learn at Your Own Pace
Learn Japanese at a pace that suits your daily life. Complete our self-paced courses, or join an online course that meets on your schedule.
Pass the JLPT and get Certified
We can help support you in passing the industry standard Japanese learning exam.
