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...

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...

Building muscle in Japan can be more challenging than many people expect. Gym memberships can be expensive, supplements often cost more than they do overseas, and some of the foods that bodybuilders rely on back home either aren't widely available or come with a much higher price tag. In this episode, we talked about the approach I've developed after years of lifting in Japan while trying to keep costs as low as possible. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Staying Fit Without Spending a Fortune One of the biggest surprises after moving to Japan was how expensive some parts of fitness could be. Commercial gyms, imported supplements, and high-protein foods can quickly add up. That doesn't mean getting in shape has to be expensive, though. Japan also has excellent public...

Body image is shaped by more than just mirrors. The people around us, the media we grow up with, and even the cost of staying fit all influence how we see ourselves. In this episode, we compared some of the biggest differences we’ve experienced between Japan and the United States, from beauty standards and fitness culture to the way muscular men are perceived in each country. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube The Cost of Staying Fit in Japan One of the biggest surprises for many people is how expensive fitness can be in Japan. Gym memberships, supplements, and high-protein foods often cost significantly more than they do in countries like the United States. Those higher costs can make fitness feel less accessible and may influence who is able to pursue it as a serious hobby or l...