The XQ Sumimasen Podcast

Adjusting to life in Japan doesn't happen all at once. It usually happens through a series of small moments—misunderstandings, unexpected challenges, new routines, and experiences that slowly change the way you see the country. In this episode, guest co-host Devin and I looked back on our own experiences adapting to life in Japan, from learning the language and navigating cultural differences to building friendships and eventually feeling at home. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Learning to Live in Another Language One of the biggest challenges for many foreigners is learning to function in Japanese before feeling truly comfortable with the language. We shared stories about early misunderstandings, everyday interactions, and the moments that reminded us how much there still wa...

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...

Moving to Japan is one challenge. Building a career in an industry where you don't speak the language fluently is another. In this episode, I sat down with my longtime friend Scoey to talk about his experience working in Japanese construction and what he learned after more than a decade of living in Japan. Along the way, we also discussed life in Japan more broadly, from streaming services and visas to the events that shaped both of our experiences here. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Working Construction in Japan Construction is one of the more demanding industries to enter as a foreigner, especially if your Japanese isn't yet at a professional level. Scoey shared what it was like learning on the job, dealing with language barriers, and gradually earning the trust of t...