Coto World Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Tokyo; CEO: Yukiko Watanabe) has announced that it plans to open a new full-time Japanese language school eligible for student visas, Coto Japanese Institute, in Kokubunji, Tokyo, in October 2026.

The school is currently applying for accreditation from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT).

This will be the first Japanese language school operated by Coto World to be authorized to issue student visas, marking an important milestone for the company’s flagship brand, Coto Japanese Academy, as it establishes a formal framework to welcome international students.

CEO Yukiko Watanabe commented: “Success in Japan requires not only Japanese language communication skills, but also a deep understanding of Japanese culture. We aim to provide a learning environment where students can achieve both of these goals.”

Programs and School Features

Career-Focused Language Program

Recognizing that language skills alone are often insufficient for long-term career growth in Japan, Coto Japanese Institute has developed a curriculum that prioritizes cultural intelligence alongside traditional fluency. Lessons are designed to help students understand the underlying ‘why’ behind Japanese professional behavior. 

Coto Japanese Institute offers two distinct pathways tailored to the professional trajectory of the student: the Practical Japanese & Career Readiness track, designed for participants starting at CEFR A1 and advancing to B1 to build a strong linguistic foundation for daily professional interactions, and the Advanced Japanese Communication & Career Growth track, which targets intermediate learners (starting at CEFR B1) advancing to C1 and is engineered for real-life, high-level application and complex professional negotiation.

In addition to intensive language instruction, the program provides a comprehensive suite of career support services. This will include support in the Japanese interview process, career guidance, and resume tailoring. 

Student-Friendly Location

The school is located in Kokubunji, just 25 minutes from Shinjuku Station on the JR Chuo  Line. The calm environment, surrounded by parks and temples, allows students to focus on their studies while maintaining easy access to central Tokyo.

Modern Facilities

Reflecting Coto Academy’s commitment to community, Coto Japanese Institute’s design centers around human connection. Students enjoy access to a dedicated library, communal spaces, state-of-the-art equipment, and smart boards.

Small Class Sizes

In keeping with Coto Japanese Academy’s signature personalized approach, classes are limited to 10–16 students.

The Three Pillars of Coto Japanese Institute

The Institute’s approach to learning goes beyond the classroom and is built on three pillars: language learning, cultural experience, and career development. By combining these three with innovative teaching methods, the school supports students’ growth both personally and professionally.

1. Practical Communication

Our curriculum is built around Japanese that students actively use. We focus not only on what students learn, but also on why they are learning it. By going beyond theory, students gain practical Japanese skills they can apply in everyday life and professional settings.

2. Deep Cultural Understanding

Students gain insight into the values, customs, and perspectives that shape everyday life in Japan, allowing them to better understand people and build meaningful connections.

3. Career & Community Support

The school helps students expand their networks and open new career opportunities through resume and interview coaching, as well as networking events with foreign residents who are actively working in Japan.

School Overview

• School Name: Coto Japanese Institute

• Address: 2-9-14 Honcho, Kokubunji-shi, Tokyo 185-0012

• Website: https://cotoinstitute.com/

About Coto World Co., Ltd.

Coto World Co., Ltd. began in 2000 as a volunteer-based Japanese language education initiative for foreign residents in Iidabashi, later establishing Coto Japanese Academy.

With over 25 years of experience, the company now operates five schools in Shibuya, Shinjuku, Iidabashi, Minato, and Yokohama, and also offers online programs to learners around the world.

Coto World aims to create a society where everyone can live fulfilling lives in Japan. The newly established Coto Japanese Institute embodies this philosophy by providing a curriculum and supportive community that integrates language proficiency with cultural understanding.

Company History

• 2000: Opened as Iidabashi Japanese Language School, operated by four volunteer teachers

• 2012: Incorporated as Be Unique Co., Ltd.; launched original teaching materials and Coto School Finder

• 2014: Renamed Coto Language Academy; relocated to current Iidabashi campus (Coto Japanese Academy Iidabashi School)

• 2018: Opened Coto Japanese Club in Azabu-Juban (renamed Coto Japanese Academy Minato School in 2024)

• 2019: Opened Coto Online Japanese Academy

• 2020: Opened Coto Japanese Academy Yokohama School

• 2023: Opened Coto Japanese Academy Shibuya School

• 2026: Opened Coto Japanese Academy Shinjuku School

• 2026: Launched a new brand for long-term Japanese learners, Coto Japanese Institute, in Kokubunji

Contact Information

Coto Japanese Institute
Email: info@cotoinstitute.com