🇯🇵The XQ Sumimasen Podcast

In this episode, I talk about Japanese gestures I learned living in Tokyo, and how their meanings can be completely different from what they look like to Americans. I go through real examples like the back-of-the-hand-to-cheek gesture, the Japanese money sign, pinky finger, palm-down “come here,” pointing to your nose, maru over the head, and more. Along the way, I share the personal experiences t...

I’ve been living in Japan since 2011, and I recently realized I’m way out of the loop on the latest American meme slang—so in this episode I catch myself up by breaking down a handful of the most common terms I keep hearing online, then comparing them to the closest Japanese equivalents (with quick definitions, example usage, and whatever origin info I could reliably find). We get into stuff like...

Prices are up everywhere right now, so I’m not gonna sit here and pretend Japan is the main character of global inflation—but I do live in Tokyo, and lately it’s been impossible not to notice how often you’re doing that little “wait… wasn’t this cheaper?” double-take at the supermarket, the konbini, and even on Amazon. In this episode, I give my layman’s take on Japan’s price hikes IRL—what change...

In this episode, I break down how I read Japanese “cuss words and insults”—from Level 1 venting (kuso, urusai), to Level 2 personal shots (baka, omae), to the Level 3 red-flag stuff (temee, kisama, kutabare, shine) that tells you it’s time to quietly walk away. I talk about why Japanese swearing works so differently from English, how "Kotodama" and politeness levels shape everything, why...

In this episode, I’m breaking down all the little mistakes I made living in Tokyo — the chopstick taboos, the wedding etiquette I didn’t know, the ramen “eat and bounce” rule, the last-piece awkwardness, and all the quiet cultural expectations you only learn after messing up in front of somebody’s grandma. These are the things I learned the hard way so you don’t have to, with some stories and a li...

Tokyo summer = HOT AF. Heat blasts off asphalt, ricochets off glass, and wraps you like a convection fan. After years of trial and error, I’ve built a setup that lets me function (and not stink) in this madness—no sponsors, no affiliate links, everything bought with my own yen. Heat Survival Gear (Quick Hits): Underwear — BROS by Wacoal:  Fast-dry fabric + targeted mesh = bye-bye swamp-itch. Short...

After 14 years in Tokyo, I've built a real life here—but it hasn't always been easy. In this solo episode, I break down the honest love–hate relationship I have with living in Japan long-term. From the everyday rhythm and built-in movement I've come to rely on, to the silent pressure of unspoken rules and the feeling of always being seen as an outsider, even after more than a decade. I...

What should you mentally prepare for before moving to Japan? In this solo episode, I share the mindset shifts and hard truths I wish I understood before coming to Japan 14 years ago. This isn't about packing lists—it's about navigating language barriers, finding your identity as a foreigner, decoding Japanese politeness, managing mental health, and figuring out complex systems like hospita...

If you've ever wondered what it's  really  like to live in Tokyo—beyond the tourist traps and shiny travel reels—this episode's for you. After 14 years here, I'm sharing why I chose to settle down in Kasai, a neighborhood that often gets overlooked but offers comfort, convenience, and a strong sense of community. From local food spots and family-run businesses to easy access to Dis...

After 14 years of living in Japan (and 10 for Devin), we’re sitting down to talk about what really keeps us grounded. From binge-watching old-school dramas and obsessing over YouTube rabbit holes to gaming with our kids and revisiting karaoke favorites, this is what daily life looks like for us now. We’re not anime fanatics or J-pop superfans—we’re just long-term residents trying to stay sane in a...

How has life in Japan changed since the pandemic ended? In this episode of The XQ Sumimasen Podcast, Sol and Devin explore major post-COVID shifts across Japanese society in 2025—from lingering mask culture and rising student absenteeism to tourism overload, cashless payment adoption, changing work habits, and the rise of the four-day workweek. With real-life stories, stats, and personal reflectio...

In this episode, we’re talking about tattoos as foreigners in Japan—what it’s like to have them, how people react, and how things are slowly starting to change. From stories about getting stared at in the onsen to chatting with yakuza in the bath (yep, that happened), we share real experiences about daily life with tattoos here. We also get into why tattoos are so expensive in Japan, how the ink q...

In this episode of The XQ Sumimasen Podcast, we dive into Japanese proverbs and what they reveal about life, values, and mindset in Japan 🇯🇵. From the well-known “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down” to the poetic “One time, one meeting,” we break down classic sayings—comparing them to Western equivalents, sharing personal stories, and exploring how they shape everyday behavior. We even ta...

In this episode, we dig into Japanese-English words that totally threw us off when we first heard them—like “pot,” “reform,” “ping pong,” and even “yankee.” Scoey and I share some wild personal stories (including how I almost ended up on a Cocoichi wall of fame), and we joke about everything from beer bellies to body lines. Some of these words sound exactly like English, but the meanings in Japan...

Japan is full of fascinating differences, and today, we’re looking back at the first culture shock experiences we had when we first arrived! From learning Japan’s detailed approach to trash sorting to navigating life without late-night trains, every new discovery shaped our understanding of daily life here. We’ll also talk about professionalism in Japan, the realities of owning a car in Tokyo, and...

In this episode, we break down the must-know slang words that’ll make you sound like a local in Japan! From the all-powerful "Yabai" to the Instagram-worthy "Insta Bae", we’re covering the words you actually hear in daily conversations. Wanna know how to say “That’s lame” or “For real?!” in Japanese? We got you. Hit play, learn some slang, and start speaking like a pro! Chapter...

Ever wondered WHY KFC is a Christmas tradition in Japan? Or why Valentine's Day feels totally backward here? In this episode, Devin and I dive into Japan FAQs that left us scratching our heads. From train pushers (yes, that's a thing) to vending machines that sell Wagyu beef, we break down the origins of these traditions and how clever marketing shaped them. Plus, we swap stories about the...

Scoey and I kicked off this episode with a (questionable) Red Hot Chili Peppers-inspired harmony, but hey, we tried! 😂 This time on the XQ Sumimasen Podcast, we’re diving into Japan’s quirkiest Japlish abbreviations (ever heard of “KY”? It’s not what you think!). Plus, we’re ranking Japan’s top konbini fried chicken offerings—because fried potatoes and cultural exchanges totally go hand in hand....

In this episode, Devin and I share our experiences and shed some light on Japan's biggest challenge: its aging population. We'll share some fascinating (and a bit sobering) stats about this demographic shift and what it means for Japan's economy, society, and family life. We'll also explore the ripple effects on workforce participation and community dynamics and chat about some cre...

Hey, guys! In this episode of The XQ Sumimasen Podcast, Scoey and I dive headfirst into the hilarious world of Japlish abbreviations that left us scratching our heads when we first heard them. From learning that “sumehara” isn’t a fancy dish but actually “smell harassment,” to realizing that “staba” is just Starbucks, we’re breaking down these quirky shortcuts that make Japan, well… Japan! We also...

Hey, guys! In this episode of  The XQ Sumimasen Podcast , Devin and I reflect on what it was like when we first moved to Japan and how everything has changed for us since then. From my first 7-Eleven experience (trying to navigate promotions in rapid-fire Japanese!) to Devin showing up to job interviews in jeans, we share the funny and challenging moments of adjusting to life here. We also dive in...

We’re back! In this episode, Scoey and I dive into the world of Japanese katakana words with origins outside of English! Ever wondered why backpacks are called 'randoseru' or why cream puffs are oddly named '"shoe" cream?' From Portuguese 'pan' to German 'arubaito,' we’re breaking down the surprising influences of Dutch, French, and even Russian on Japanese vocabulary. Got your own favorite kataka...

In this episode, Devin and I talk about Japanese words that have found their way into English! We break down the meaning behind words like “karaoke” (bet you didn’t know it means “empty orchestra”) and chat about how terms like “tycoon” and “emoji” became part of our everyday vocabulary. Along the way, we share some fun stories about how these words connect cultures and even surprise us with their...

In this Japlish III episode, Scoey and I dive into the misunderstandings between Japanese and English words! We cover everything from the ongoing “hotcakes vs. pancakes” debate and Japan’s love for Super Cup ice cream to the unique twists the Japanese put on words like “menu,” “bike,” and even “American dog” (hint: it’s not a pet). Scoey and I share our own cultural slip-ups and funny discoveries...

We’re back! In this episode, Scoey and I tackle some of Japan’s most unusual superstitions that still manage to sneak into daily life! Ever been told lightning could zap your belly button if you leave it uncovered in a storm? Or warned that whistling at night might attract some unexpected guests? We'll be sharing our reactions and laughs over these surprising beliefs and how they shape the little...