The XQ Sumimasen Podcast

Body image is shaped by more than just mirrors. The people around us, the media we grow up with, and even the cost of staying fit all influence how we see ourselves. In this episode, we compared some of the biggest differences we’ve experienced between Japan and the United States, from beauty standards and fitness culture to the way muscular men are perceived in each country. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube The Cost of Staying Fit in Japan One of the biggest surprises for many people is how expensive fitness can be in Japan. Gym memberships, supplements, and high-protein foods often cost significantly more than they do in countries like the United States. Those higher costs can make fitness feel less accessible and may influence who is able to pursue it as a serious hobby or l...

Living in Japan for more than 13 years changes the way you notice cultural differences. The major adjustments are obvious at first, but over time, it’s often the smaller parts of everyday life that stand out: grocery shopping, the food you miss, the size of your home, and the routines you slowly build around all of it. In this episode, we compared some of the things we had to get used to after moving to Japan and how those experiences continued to change the longer we lived here. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Grocery Shopping and the Food You Miss Grocery shopping in Japan can feel surprisingly unfamiliar when you first arrive. You can usually find everything you need to make a meal, but the brands, package sizes, cuts of meat, and available seasonings may be different from what yo...