The XQ Sumimasen Podcast

Living in Japan has always felt fairly predictable when it came to everyday prices. For years, I rarely thought twice about grabbing a drink from a vending machine or picking up groceries because prices stayed remarkably stable. Lately, though, that's changed. Like many people living in Japan, I've found myself stopping to look at price tags and wondering, "Wasn't this cheaper not that long ago?" In this episode, I share my personal observations about Japan's recent price increases and compare them with what economists, government agencies, and researchers have been reporting. I'm not trying to explain global economics—I'm simply connecting what I've experienced as a parent living in Tokyo with the data that's helping explain why everyday life feels different. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple ...

When I first moved to Japan, I assumed I had a pretty good idea of what counted as a "bad word." Between anime, Japanese classes, and being married to a Japanese wife, I knew words like kuso , baka , and chikushō . But it didn't take long to realize that real-life Japanese and anime Japanese can sound very different. Words that subtitles translate as extreme insults often aren't nearly as harsh in everyday conversation, while other expressions can carry far more weight than they appear to. In this episode, I break down how I personally interpret Japanese swear words and insults, not by memorizing vocabulary, but by paying attention to tone, relationships, and context. Understanding those differences has completely changed the way I listen to Japanese conversations. Content note: This episode discusses and quotes Japanese swear words and insults. The YouTube version is embedded here because Spotify’s player is not displaying this part...

Living in Japan is full of little moments that teach you something new. Some lessons come through language, while others come from accidentally breaking a cultural custom you didn't even know existed. Most of the time, nobody calls you out in the moment. Instead, you find out later through a friend or family member, giving you the chance to learn without feeling embarrassed. In this episode, I share some of the mistakes I made while living in Tokyo and what they taught me about Japanese culture. None of them were major, but together they helped me better understand the importance of social harmony and why so many customs exist. Looking back, the mistakes themselves weren't nearly as important as the lessons behind them. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Learning That the Little Things Matter ...

Tokyo summers can be surprisingly difficult to prepare for. Before moving here, I expected the heat. What I didn't expect was the humidity. Walking a few minutes outside can leave you completely soaked, and carrying groceries, camera gear, or even a backpack only makes it worse. After more than 14 summers in Tokyo, I've gradually found the clothing and gear that genuinely make everyday life more comfortable. None of this is sponsored, and there are no affiliate links—these are simply the products I bought myself after years of trial and error. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Staying Comfortable Starts with Your Clothing The biggest difference wasn't buying expensive gadgets. It was replacing ordinary clothing with fabrics designed for hot, humid weather. Quick-drying u...

Living somewhere for a few weeks and living somewhere for more than a decade are two completely different experiences. The excitement eventually fades, routines take over, and you begin noticing the little things that make a place both rewarding and frustrating. After more than 14 years in Tokyo, I've had enough time to experience the honeymoon phase, the culture shock, the everyday routines, and the quieter realities that only reveal themselves over time. In this episode, I reflect on what I genuinely love about living in Tokyo—and the parts that still challenge me. Watch the Full Episode Listen on: Spotify Apple YouTube Everyday Life Keeps You Moving One of my favorite things about Tokyo is how naturally active daily life becomes. If somewhere is only a station or two away, I'll usually bi...