The XQ Sumimasen Podcast

Choosing self-employment in Japan comes with a different set of challenges than working for a company. Beyond building a business, you're also learning how to navigate a different language, a different culture, and a different way of doing business. In this episode, I was joined by guest co-host Keito Suzuki to compare our experiences running our own businesses in Japan, from building professional relationships to adapting during the pandemic and finding opportunities along the way. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Building Trust in Japan One of the biggest lessons I've learned is that introductions matter. Trying to establish new business relationships on your own can be difficult, but being introduced by someone who already has the trust of the other person often changes the...

Raising children in Japan has given me a completely different perspective on the country. Things that seemed ordinary before becoming a parent suddenly became much more important, from school traditions and neighborhood safety to the support systems available for families. In this episode, guest co-host Scoey and I shared our experiences raising mixed-race children in Japan and discussed some of the everyday differences we've noticed compared with growing up in the United States. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Why Japan Feels So Safe for Families One of the biggest advantages of raising a family in Japan is the sense of safety many parents experience. Children are often given responsibilities at an earlier age than many foreigners expect, including walking to school on thei...