Over 25 years, Coto World has refined a teaching approach that is practical, human, and effective. Today, that same expertise extends beyond adult learners, with a Kids Japanese Course built from the ground up for younger students

Our Learning Development Division team quickly learned that learning a language as a child is less about grammar rules and more about moments, such as a teacher who made you excited to come back, or a fun summer field trip to the Cup Noodle Museum. As part of this team, creating those moments is something Runa Imamura thinks about every day.

Originally from Hiroshima and now based at Coto’s Azabu campus, Imamura leads the development of Coto’s Kids program. What began as a single course assignment grew into a full-time role she embraces with curiosity and warmth. 

Read on to hear her career progression at Coto World and what it truly means to be a Japanese language teacher. 

Hello, Imamura-sensei! Tell us a bit more about yourself and your role at Coto Academy. 

Hello everyone, I’m Runa! I’m originally from Hiroshima, then spent time in Kyoto, and now I’m based in Tokyo. I currently work at Coto Academy Minato campus as part of the Learning Development (LD) team. I’m also involved in developing and managing kids-related courses.

What led you to specialize in teaching Japanese to children?

To be honest, I didn’t originally plan to specialize in teaching children. It just happened by chance! (laughs) I’ve always been interested in working with children and hoped to be involved in education at some point in my life.

When we launched the JIDs course at Coto, I had the opportunity to teach it, and that became my starting point. Before that, I mainly taught adults, but I found children’s reactions so engaging and interesting that I naturally became more involved.

Since then, I’ve studied teaching methodologies for children and now focus on curriculum development and course management.

What do you think is the biggest difference between teaching children and adults? 

Motivation. Adult students at Coto are usually highly motivated to learn Japanese. On the other hand, while some children are eager to learn on their own, most attend lessons at their parents’ insistence.

Because of this, we need to maintain their motivation level. When a child first comes to class, I focus on helping them find their own goal for learning Japanese. I do this by exploring their interests together, identifying a goal that feels right for them, and helping them start their Japanese learning journey in a fun and positive way.

When do you feel the most rewarded while teaching children?

The purpose of Coto Academy’s Kids Japanese Course is to give children fun and meaningful memories of their time in Japan. I believe these experiences can become a kind of “soft power” that connects Japan with the rest of the world in the future.

One of my favorite moments is when parents tell me that their child excitedly talks about what they learned in class at home. That always makes me smile!

I also love seeing returning students in seasonal courses and noticing how much they’ve grown. Not just physically, but when they suddenly use vocabulary they learned before, I’m always amazed, thinking, “Wow, they remembered!”

And sharing these moments with other teachers in the staff room and celebrating together is something that really warms my heart.

What drew you to teach at Coto Academy in the first place?

I’ve taught at other schools before, but I was drawn to Coto’s culture of taking on new challenges. I felt that this was a place where I could grow into the kind of Japanese teacher I want to be.

I was also attracted to the bright and positive atmosphere, and I truly feel that spirit of “Enjoy Learning, Enjoy Working” every day. While teaching a wide range of adult lessons, I’ve also been able to develop my expertise in teaching children, and I’m grateful for the many opportunities to challenge myself.

What’s the biggest strength in Coto Academy’s kids program?

What makes Coto’s Kids program special is the balance between fun and structured learning. While lessons are enjoyable, they are also grounded in strong educational quality. It is something built through years of experience with adult education.

The high number of returning students in seasonal courses shows that both children and parents want to come back. Recently, we’ve also seen more families taking lessons together throughout the year, which is really wonderful. 

How have your teaching methods evolved since you started to focus on children’s education?

Children generally have shorter attention spans than adults, so I focus on keeping lessons engaging. Compared to adult lessons, children’s reactions to content are much more direct. You can clearly see what works and what doesn’t.

I try to create a good balance between active and quiet activities to maintain variety and rhythm. I also like to combine activities that allow children to express their individuality and creativity, encouraging free thinking within the curriculum.

What do you like to do to wind down after work?

I love watching international movies and TV shows. I have a projector at home, so relaxing with a film and a glass of wine is one of my favorite ways to unwind.

I also enjoy going to theme parks and watching musicals. Traveling is another passion of mine. I once spent a month traveling solo across Europe. And of course, I love spending time with friends.

Last question: What do you have to say to Japanese teachers interested in joining Coto Academy?

Coto teachers are not only professional but also incredibly warm and fun people. I encourage not only children but also parents to join and experience Coto lessons together as a family.

And for those who are interested in working with children: Coto’s emphasis on taking on new challenges creates a unique environment for teaching Japanese to kids. We would love to have you join us in growing the Kids program together!

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.