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 hospitals and Hanko stamps.Whether you're planning a move, already living in Japan, or simply curious about expat life, this episode offers a genuine look at what it takes to build a life here long-term mentally.

🧊 Bonus tip: I also talk about the coolest way to survive Japan's brutal summer heat—literally.

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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 Disney and Tokyo Station, this deep dive covers what makes Kasai feel like home. Whether you're planning a trip or thinking long-term, I hope this gives you a more grounded look at what daily life in Japan can actually be.

Keito's (@NomadPush/ @SweatySuzuki) Video featuring FOODS&BAR Cerdo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQTq7T1LMn8

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Instagram Links:

Izakaya Donguri(@sumikatuya) - https://www.instagram.com/sumikatuya?igsh=MW1hNjM5bDN5NTFrdA==

Toriman(@kasai.toriman) - https://www.instagram.com/kasai.toriman?igsh=MXBvcWUydGxqeWdqZA==

Foods & Bar Cerdo/Lumberhouse(@lumberhouse627) - https://www.instagram.com/lumberhouse627?igsh=MXFxaXp6eGRjY3hmcg==

Nikuemon(@nikuemon_kasai) - https://www.instagram.com/nikuemon_kasai?igsh=Zno1aWJscGVkcnRk

KURUMU(@kurumu2013) - https://www.instagram.com/kurumu2013?igsh=bm5qamRsdXNwdDJ3

Web Links:

Izakaya Donguri - https://akr3799285875.ows

Niku No Murayama - https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1313/A131305/13185486/

FOODS&Bar Cerdo - https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1313/A131305/13274107/

Lumberhouse - https://r.gnavi.co.jp/4rsupzd30000/

Nikuemon - https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ001146667/

KURUMU - https://montmorillonite.jp/

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 country that never stops surprising us. We also touch on how our media habits have changed, how language fluency finally unlocked Japanese TV, and why we’re thankful for sushi that doesn’t break the bank. If you’ve ever wondered what life in Japan actually feels like after the honeymoon phase, this one’s for you.

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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 reflections, this episode unpacks what's new in Japan and how the pandemic's long shadow still shapes everyday life.Official Website: https://www.xqsumimasen.com Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xqs_podcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@xqs_podcast Listen on Other Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lYSuDCZisdjLwgYL3mR4a?si=3b10d0f7b045454d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/the-xq-sumimasen-podcast/id6480508928

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 quality holds up, and whether the old-school stigma is finally starting to fade.Official Website: https://www.xqsumimasen.com Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xqs_podcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@xqs_podcast Listen on Other Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lYSuDCZisdjLwgYL3mR4a?si=3b10d0f7b045454d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/the-xq-sumimasen-podcast/id6480508928

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 talk about school events like undōkai, bento culture, and moments that blend individuality with harmony. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient wisdom still influences modern Japan, check it out.

Chapters00:00 - Preview00:51 - Intro01:35 - Nana Korobi Ya Oki04:58 - Deru Kui Wa Utareru09:51 - Juunin Toiro15:40 - Saru Mo Ki Kara Ochiru17:42 - I No Naka No Kawazu Taikai O Shirazu23:19 - Hana Yori Dango25:59 - Minu Ga Hana28:57 - Ichi-go Ichi-e35:21 - Ishi No Ue Ni Mo Sannen37:33 - Kuchi Wa Wazawai No Moto39:25 - What is Undoukai44:45 - Outro

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 are way different. It’s a mix of language, culture, and a lot of laughs—plus a few solid dad jokes thrown in for good measure.

Chapters

00:00 Preview

00:26 Hage+Washi=???

01:09 Pot

05:08 Reform

09:28 NEET?

11:11 Yankee

15:00 Food Fight

18:37 Movie

23:16 Pierce

25:54 Ping Pong

27:54 Bodyline

29:19 Beer Para

30:55 BEER FACT!

35:03 Shichuu (Situation?)

36:43 Shimoneta (Seamonator?)

39:20 Bakyuun (Vacuum?)

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 how visiting rural Japan felt like a refreshing change from the fast-paced city life. If you’ve ever wondered what adjusting to Japan is really like, tune in and join us! 🇯🇵

Chapters

00:00 Episode Preview

00:55 Shogun was Good

04:45 Intro

05:39 Cash-Based Society

13:32 Address System

16:36 Recycling

30:14 Professionalism

37:31 Public Transportation

40:09 Tangent: Tsutaya Card

45:38 Urban vs Rural Residents

53:15 Seasonal Allergies

58:06 Tokyo's Immigration Office

1:05:14 Outro