The XQ Sumimasen Podcast

Living in Japan quickly teaches you that recognizing an English word doesn't always mean you'll understand what someone means. Over time, many borrowed English words have developed meanings that are unique to Japanese, while others have been shortened or used in ways that surprise native English speakers. In this episode, guest co-host Scoey and I shared some of the Japanese-English expressions that confused us the most after moving to Japan, along with the stories that helped us understand what people were actually trying to say. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube When English Words Develop New Meanings One of the first examples we discussed was the Japanese use of the word tension . For many native English speakers, "tension" suggests stress or nervousness. In...

Mental health is shaped by more than individual circumstances. The culture we grow up in, the expectations placed on us, and the way society responds to stress all influence how people experience and talk about mental health. In this episode, guest co-host Scoey and I discussed some of the cultural differences we've noticed while living in Japan, from workplace pressure and social expectations to the challenges surrounding mental healthcare and asking for help. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Social Expectations and Everyday Pressure One of the first topics we explored was the difference between tatemae and honne —the distinction between the public face people present and their true feelings. While these concepts exist everywhere to some degree, they can play a particul...