Start Here
New to The XQ Sumimasen Podcast? This page is a quick introduction to the kinds of conversations you’ll find throughout the show.
I’ve lived in Tokyo since 2011, and the podcast draws from the experiences, misunderstandings, relationships, and everyday observations that have shaped my life in Japan. These episodes are a good place to begin, depending on what brought you here.
Long-Term Life in Japan 2 episodes
Living In Tokyo Long Term: Love It or Hate It
Living somewhere for a few weeks and building a life there for more than a decade are completely different experiences. In this episode, I talk honestly about what I still love about Tokyo, what continues to challenge me, and how my relationship with the city has changed over time.
What I Wish I Knew Before Moving to Japan
Some of the biggest adjustments after moving to Japan have less to do with packing lists or paperwork and more to do with communication, mindset, and expectations. This episode covers the lessons I wish I had understood before Japan became my home.
Culture and Communication 2 episodes
Japanese Gestures I Learned in Japan
Communication is not limited to vocabulary. This episode looks at several Japanese gestures I picked up through real experiences, including a few moments when a familiar gesture meant something very different from what I expected.
Let’s Talk American Meme Slang and Japanese Equivalents
Language and internet culture move quickly, especially when you live outside your home country. In this episode, I compare newer American meme slang with Japanese expressions that carry similar meanings, feelings, or cultural uses.
Learning Through Experience 2 episodes
What I Learned From My Mistakes Living in Tokyo
Many of the lessons that taught me the most about Japanese culture began as small mistakes. This episode covers some of the customs I misunderstood, how people quietly helped me recognize them, and what those experiences taught me about consideration and social harmony.
Our First Culture Shock Experiences After Moving to Japan
Culture shock often appears through ordinary situations rather than dramatic events. Guest co-host Devin and I look back on transportation, local rules, regional differences, and some of the everyday realities that changed how we understood Japan after moving here.
Keep Exploring
These episodes are only a starting point. You can find the complete archive in the site’s sidebar, including conversations about language, family life, work, fitness, relationships, and the realities of living in Japan long term.
Choose whichever episode sounds closest to your interests and start there.