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! Official Website: https://www.xqsumimasen.com Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xqs_podcast X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.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

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!

We’re back! In this episode, Scoey and I dive into the world of Japanese katakana words with origins outside of English! Ever wondered why backpacks are called 'randoseru' or why cream puffs are oddly named '"shoe" cream?' From Portuguese 'pan' to German 'arubaito,' we’re breaking down the surprising influences of Dutch, French, and even Russian on Japanese vocabulary. Got your own favorite katakana words or stories? Share them in the comments—we’d love to hear! See you in the next one!

Official Website: https://www.xqsumimasen.com

Follow Us:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xqs_podcast

X (Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/xqs_podcast

Threads: https://www.threads.net/@xqs_podcast

In this episode, Devin and I talk about Japanese words that have found their way into English! We break down the meaning behind words like “karaoke” (bet you didn’t know it means “empty orchestra”) and chat about how terms like “tycoon” and “emoji” became part of our everyday vocabulary. Along the way, we share some fun stories about how these words connect cultures and even surprise us with their origins. It’s a laid-back conversation full of laughs, interesting language facts, and some cultural nuggets you won’t want to miss. Stick around until the end—and, as always, Excuse-me-massen, and see ya!

Official Website: https://www.xqsumimasen.com

In this Japlish III episode, Scoey and I dive into the misunderstandings between Japanese and English words! We cover everything from the ongoing “hotcakes vs. pancakes” debate and Japan’s love for Super Cup ice cream to the unique twists the Japanese put on words like “menu,” “bike,” and even “American dog” (hint: it’s not a pet). Scoey and I share our own cultural slip-ups and funny discoveries as expats, from figuring out what “ribbon” means in Japan to learning that “live” doesn’t just mean “live” over here! It’s a chill conversation full of laughs, linguistic surprises, and the kind of cultural insights you don’t get in a textbook. Tune in, and maybe you’ll leave with a few new phrases to try out in Japan—or at least a few laughs!

We’re back! In this episode, Scoey and I tackle some of Japan’s most unusual superstitions that still manage to sneak into daily life! Ever been told lightning could zap your belly button if you leave it uncovered in a storm? Or warned that whistling at night might attract some unexpected guests? We'll be sharing our reactions and laughs over these surprising beliefs and how they shape the little things people do daily in Japan. From spooky tales to practical advice, it’s a fun look at a side of Japanese culture you might not know! Got your own superstitions or stories? Drop them in the comments—We’d love to hear! Catch you in the next one! 🌩️👀

We're back! In this episode, Devin and I plunge into the quirky and fascinating world of Japanese onomatopoeia! Ever wonder why there are so many repeating words in Japanese? Or why a conversation sometimes sounds like a cartoon? We share our own struggles and funny experiences learning words like 'waku waku' (excited) and 'doki doki' (nervous heartbeats), plus how these expressions can completely change the way you understand everyday language. If you've ever been confused by the 'pika pika' or the 'goro goro' or just want to improve your Japanese skills in a fun way, this episode is for you! Got your own Japan stories? Drop them in the comments—I'd love to hear them! Catch you in the next one! 🤙