The XQ Sumimasen Podcast

After living in Japan for many years, one thing that surprised me is how my entertainment habits have changed. Before moving here, I actively looked for Japanese music, TV, and anything that helped me learn more about the country. Once Japan became everyday life, though, I found myself doing almost the opposite. In this episode, guest co-host Devin and I talked about the shows, music, games, and online content we actually enjoy after more than a decade in Japan—and how living here has changed the way we unwind. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube When Everyday Life Changes Your Interests Many people assume that foreigners living in Japan spend all their free time watching anime, listening to J-pop, or following Japanese television. For us, that hasn't really been the case. Liv...

The pandemic changed every country in different ways, and living in Japan before, during, and after COVID has made those changes especially noticeable. Some shifts happened almost overnight, while others have continued gradually over the past few years. In this episode, guest co-host Devin and I looked at several ways everyday life in Japan has evolved since the pandemic and discussed which changes seem likely to remain. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Everyday Life Looks Different One of the most visible changes has been how people approach health and public spaces. Masks, staying home when sick, and paying closer attention to illness have become much more common parts of daily life than they were before. While some habits are slowly returning to normal, others have become ...