Over the past 25 years, Coto Academy has built its reputation on practical, high-quality Japanese-language education. Behind that is a team most language schools don’t have: a dedicated Learning Development division that designs original curriculum, trains teachers, and continuously refines how Japanese is taught — not just what is taught, but how, and for whom.

The person spearheading the Learning Development Division is Kazuko Watanabe. Bringing over two decades of Japanese language education experience across Japan and the United States, she has both the frontline instincts of a teacher and the strategic vision of someone who has spent her career asking what great language education can really look like.

Read on to hear how she develops a strong language curriculum, how AI is reshaping Japanese education, and the most valuable thing a teacher can offer.

Hello, Kazuko-san! Can you tell us a bit about your role in the Learning and Development team?

My name is Kazuko Watanabe, and I oversee the Learning & Development team, or L&D for short! As Head of L&D, I lead the overall strategy and operations of the team, including teacher recruitment, training, and development. 

I began my career as a Japanese language teacher in 2003. I moved between Japan and the United States, but I remained involved in Japanese education in various forms throughout.

Coto is one of the few Japanese language schools with a dedicated Learning Development team. Why is this so important for us to have one?

We view our teachers as partners. By embedding Coto’s lesson philosophy throughout the organization, not only do we make students happy, but teachers, too! We want to create an environment where teachers feel, “I’m glad I work at Coto.”

What is your approach to teaching Japanese and building a great curriculum?

Early on, my approach was quite independent! I simply wanted to teach the way I believed in, in a place that suited me, and to make learning enjoyable for the students in front of me. It was driven largely by my own intellectual curiosity.

There were two major turning points. The first was challenging myself at a pioneering Japanese language institution. The second was spending three years at a supplementary Japanese school in the U.S., where I discovered the depth and breadth of Japanese education.

After returning to Japan in 2019, I began to feel the limits of working alone. That’s when I encountered Coto — my third turning point. I felt that the kind of education I aspired to could be realized through the power of an organization.

What makes Coto’s learning approach unique compared to traditional Japanese language schools?

Coto’s strengths lie in its small class sizes, conversation-focused lessons, and flexible course design tailored to learners’ needs.

Many of our students are working professionals, both in Japan and abroad, so we design systems that allow them to continue learning sustainably over the long term. Their goals and needs differ significantly from those of traditional full-time language school students, and so our approach naturally differs as well.

Language acquisition takes time. That’s why we focus on creating an environment where learning is enjoyable and sustainable.

What is the most rewarding part of overseeing the growth of both our curriculum and our teaching staff?

The most rewarding part is seeing both staff and teachers genuinely enjoy their work at Coto.

At its core, both teacher support and lesson design are about creating an environment where people can thrive. Teachers can work with positivity, and students can enjoy learning with them.

I truly believe that when teachers, students, and staff come together as one, it is a win-win for everyone! That’s why I’m deeply committed to building the kind of environment that makes that possible.

How do you stay ahead of trends in language to ensure Coto’s materials remain modern and effective?

With advances in technology, the ways people learn Japanese have expanded dramatically. AI-powered apps, video learning, and e-learning platforms now make it possible to learn faster, more efficiently, and at a lower cost. And Coto actively incorporates these tools.

Interesting! Talking about that, what is your view on AI when it comes to learning Japanese?

However, as AI continues to evolve, the value of what only humans can do becomes even more important. Rather than competing with AI, our focus is on refining and elevating uniquely human strengths.

One key concept we focus on is “improvisational ability.” Many students learn Japanese because they have something they want to express to someone specific. Understanding the learner, reading the situation, and responding to their needs in real time. That is a human skill that cannot be replaced by AI.

How does the “Coto spirit” influence the way you lead your team and develop new programs?

I see Coto as a company that creates.

It has a free and flat culture that encourages ideas unconstrained by convention and supports people in taking on new challenges. It’s an environment that’s rare to find.

Rather than being top-down, ideas often originate from the front lines and quickly take shape. That speed and openness define the “Coto spirit” and naturally influence both how we work as a team and how we develop new programs.

Outside of academic development, how do you like to spend your personal time?

I try to go to the gym once a week to reset. Moving my body helps boost my sense of well-being. I also enjoy cleaning and organizing my space. It helps me feel refreshed and clear-minded.

Most importantly, I value spending as much time as possible with my family.

What advice would you give to someone looking to build a career in Japanese language education at Coto?

Coto is a place where you can challenge yourself in ways the Japanese education industry has not yet seen.

If you are someone who wants to explore your potential through trial and error in an environment without fixed answers, I believe you will find it incredibly rewarding.

Not only your experience as a Japanese teacher, but also your broader professional background, will become a valuable asset here.

Bring your strengths to Coto, and together, let’s create something no one has seen before.

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 a passionate language enthusiast who is creative, proactive, and action-oriented, we’d love to connect with you.

We’re welcoming inquiries for positions in Operations, Business Development, and Marketing. Feel free to explore our open roles or reach out to us directly.