In this episode, we’re talking about tattoos as foreigners in Japan—what it’s like to have them, how people react, and how things are slowly starting to change. From stories about getting stared at in the onsen to chatting with yakuza in the bath (yep, that happened), we share real experiences about daily life with tattoos here. We also get into why tattoos are so expensive in Japan, how the ink quality holds up, and whether the old-school stigma is finally starting to fade.Official Website: https://www.xqsumimasen.com Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xqs_podcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@xqs_podcast Listen on Other Platforms: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0lYSuDCZisdjLwgYL3mR4a?si=3b10d0f7b045454d Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/the-xq-sumimasen-podcast/id6480508928

In this episode of The XQ Sumimasen Podcast, we dive into Japanese proverbs and what they reveal about life, values, and mindset in Japan 🇯🇵. From the well-known “The nail that sticks out gets hammered down” to the poetic “One time, one meeting,” we break down classic sayings—comparing them to Western equivalents, sharing personal stories, and exploring how they shape everyday behavior. We even talk about school events like undōkai, bento culture, and moments that blend individuality with harmony. If you’ve ever wondered how ancient wisdom still influences modern Japan, check it out.

Chapters00:00 - Preview00:51 - Intro01:35 - Nana Korobi Ya Oki04:58 - Deru Kui Wa Utareru09:51 - Juunin Toiro15:40 - Saru Mo Ki Kara Ochiru17:42 - I No Naka No Kawazu Taikai O Shirazu23:19 - Hana Yori Dango25:59 - Minu Ga Hana28:57 - Ichi-go Ichi-e35:21 - Ishi No Ue Ni Mo Sannen37:33 - Kuchi Wa Wazawai No Moto39:25 - What is Undoukai44:45 - Outro

In this episode, we dig into Japanese-English words that totally threw us off when we first heard them—like “pot,” “reform,” “ping pong,” and even “yankee.” Scoey and I share some wild personal stories (including how I almost ended up on a Cocoichi wall of fame), and we joke about everything from beer bellies to body lines. Some of these words sound exactly like English, but the meanings in Japan are way different. It’s a mix of language, culture, and a lot of laughs—plus a few solid dad jokes thrown in for good measure.

Chapters

00:00 Preview

00:26 Hage+Washi=???

01:09 Pot

05:08 Reform

09:28 NEET?

11:11 Yankee

15:00 Food Fight

18:37 Movie

23:16 Pierce

25:54 Ping Pong

27:54 Bodyline

29:19 Beer Para

30:55 BEER FACT!

35:03 Shichuu (Situation?)

36:43 Shimoneta (Seamonator?)

39:20 Bakyuun (Vacuum?)

Japan is full of fascinating differences, and today, we’re looking back at the first culture shock experiences we had when we first arrived! From learning Japan’s detailed approach to trash sorting to navigating life without late-night trains, every new discovery shaped our understanding of daily life here. We’ll also talk about professionalism in Japan, the realities of owning a car in Tokyo, and how visiting rural Japan felt like a refreshing change from the fast-paced city life. If you’ve ever wondered what adjusting to Japan is really like, tune in and join us! 🇯🇵

Chapters

00:00 Episode Preview

00:55 Shogun was Good

04:45 Intro

05:39 Cash-Based Society

13:32 Address System

16:36 Recycling

30:14 Professionalism

37:31 Public Transportation

40:09 Tangent: Tsutaya Card

45:38 Urban vs Rural Residents

53:15 Seasonal Allergies

58:06 Tokyo's Immigration Office

1:05:14 Outro

In this episode, we break down the must-know slang words that’ll make you sound like a local in Japan! From the all-powerful "Yabai" to the Instagram-worthy "Insta Bae", we’re covering the words you actually hear in daily conversations. Wanna know how to say “That’s lame” or “For real?!” in Japanese? We got you. Hit play, learn some slang, and start speaking like a pro!

Chapters:

00:00 - Intro

00:44 - What's the Talk of the Town? (Ado's Story)

01:34 - Yabai

04:59 - Kimoi

09:59 - Maji

12:10 - Uzai

14:41 - Insta-bae

15:52 - Hanpa Nai

17:45 - Bimyo

19:00 - Story about "Watashi"

22:11 - Atsui

24:15 - Gachi

25:35 - Dasai

28:55 - Outro & Final Thoughts

Ever wondered WHY KFC is a Christmas tradition in Japan? Or why Valentine's Day feels totally backward here? In this episode, Devin and I dive into Japan FAQs that left us scratching our heads. From train pushers (yes, that's a thing) to vending machines that sell Wagyu beef, we break down the origins of these traditions and how clever marketing shaped them. Plus, we swap stories about the struggles of public transportation—because if you've ever had a drunk salaryman fall asleep on you, you know the pain.Anything about Japan struck you as 'different'? Drop them in the comments, and we'll cover it in a future episode... and keep it PG, people! Until next time, Excuse-me-massen, and see ya!

Scoey and I kicked off this episode with a (questionable) Red Hot Chili Peppers-inspired harmony, but hey, we tried! 😂 This time on the XQ Sumimasen Podcast, we’re diving into Japan’s quirkiest Japlish abbreviations (ever heard of “KY”? It’s not what you think!). Plus, we’re ranking Japan’s top konbini fried chicken offerings—because fried potatoes and cultural exchanges totally go hand in hand. 🤣 Come for the laughs, stay for the insights, and maybe even leave saying “Furorida!”

In this episode, Devin and I share our experiences and shed some light on Japan's biggest challenge: its aging population. We'll share some fascinating (and a bit sobering) stats about this demographic shift and what it means for Japan's economy, society, and family life. We'll also explore the ripple effects on workforce participation and community dynamics and chat about some creative solutions the country is working on—like using robots, immigration policies, and local support systems. It's a mix of challenges, innovation, and cultural insight, so put on some cans and let's go!

Hey, guys! In this episode of The XQ Sumimasen Podcast, Scoey and I dive headfirst into the hilarious world of Japlish abbreviations that left us scratching our heads when we first heard them. From learning that “sumehara” isn’t a fancy dish but actually “smell harassment,” to realizing that “staba” is just Starbucks, we’re breaking down these quirky shortcuts that make Japan, well… Japan! We also share some laughs about body odor detectors (yup, they’re real), reminisce about family restaurants like Bikkuri Donkey, and swap stories about the weirdest abbreviations we’ve encountered. Got your own Japlish favorites? Drop them in the comments. Until next time, Excuse-me-massen, and... See ya!

Hey, guys! In this episode of The XQ Sumimasen Podcast, Devin and I reflect on what it was like when we first moved to Japan and how everything has changed for us since then. From my first 7-Eleven experience (trying to navigate promotions in rapid-fire Japanese!) to Devin showing up to job interviews in jeans, we share the funny and challenging moments of adjusting to life here. We also dive into how perceptions of Tokyo’s “zombie ant” vibe have evolved, what it took to make real friends in a “tatemae” world, and the small victories that made adapting to life in Japan easier. It’s all about how we’ve grown and adapted over the years. Don’t forget to share your own Japan stories in the comments—we’d love to hear how you’ve navigated life in this amazing country!