Part of Coto World’s overarching mission is to support language learners throughout their journey in Japan, no matter where they start. Through Coto School Finder, we bridge the gap between global students and their goals by partnering with schools nationwide. 

Enter Momoko Oura of Coto School Finder’s Operations Division. From her roots in Japanese retail to living in Canada and Brazil, Momoko knows that moving abroad requires more than just a plane ticket. It takes empathy and a knack for problem-solving. Whether she is navigating complex immigration paperwork or channeling her cheerleader spirit to encourage a student, her role as a “life advisor” brings a winning perspective to our team.

Read on to hear Momoko’s journey as we chat about the freedom to innovate and the rewarding moments that come with helping others take their next big step in Japan.

Welcome, Momoko-san! Tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi! I’m Momoko. My journey into Coto really started with my own time abroad. I spent a year studying in Canada, followed by another year there on a working holiday. Later, I stayed in Brazil for three months, immersing myself in a completely different culture. I feel those overseas experiences are directly reflected in how I approach my work today.

Before joining Coto, I worked in retail for an apparel company. I loved the fast-paced environment and found so much fulfillment in making tailored proposals to meet each customer’s needs. Those experiences, combined with my background in teaching Japanese, naturally led me to this role supporting international students.

You have such an international background! What drew you to Coto in the first place?

The atmosphere! I was immediately drawn to how much both the staff and the students seem to genuinely enjoy being on campus. It’s a very “fun” environment, which is rare to find.

Can you tell us a bit about your role at Coto School Finder? 

As a coordinator, my job is to match students who want to study long-term in Japan with the language school that best fits their specific goals, whether that’s pursuing higher education, finding a career, or simply experiencing life in Japan. I act as the link between the student’s aspirations and the practical reality of school requirements.

For those not familiar, what exactly is Coto School Finder?

We are a study abroad agency that connects students with Japanese language schools across the country. While we might look like a simple placement agency on the surface, we prioritize listening to a student’s long-term vision. We don’t just find a school; we propose the best path to achieve their life goals. Our staff is incredibly international!

How are you liking it so far?

I love it. Coto truly embodies the philosophy of “Enjoy working, Enjoy life.” The company respects individual strengths and gives us the autonomy to use them. It’s an environment that encourages us to take on challenges, which has really built up my professional confidence.

Tell us about your favorite moment working at Coto!

I like to think of my role as a “life advisor.”  I feel a huge sense of accomplishment when a student successfully enters their target school and feels confident about their next step. Dealing with immigration rules and varying school requirements can be complex and stressful, so I always try to ease their anxiety. Once, a student even brought me snacks from their home country as a thank-you. Seeing their smile made me realize exactly why I love this job!

How would your colleagues describe you?

I’m often described as bright and friendly! I love connecting with people, and I tend to adapt quite quickly to new environments.

We’ve definitely noticed that! How do you stay so positive?

I love staying active! I was a cheerleader in high school and university, and I think I’ve carried that “cheer spirit” into my professional life. I also enjoy getting my nails done to match my mood and traveling to new countries to keep experiencing different values. 

Ready to join us?

At Coto World, we’re always looking for people who believe in the power of language to change lives. If you’re excited about creating meaningful experiences for Japanese learners worldwide, explore our open roles or reach out. We’d love to hear from you.