Tokyo summer = HOT AF. Heat blasts off asphalt, ricochets off glass, and wraps you like a convection fan. After years of trial and error, I’ve built a setup that lets me function (and not stink) in this madness—no sponsors, no affiliate links, everything bought with my own yen.
Heat Survival Gear (Quick Hits):
Underwear — BROS by Wacoal: Fast-dry fabric + targeted mesh = bye-bye swamp-itch.
Shorts — Uniqlo boardshort-style hybrid cargo: Boardshort material, mesh cargo pockets, dries fast; pair with BROS for peak heat/humidity days.
Cooling — Burtle fan shirt (Kyocera brushless) + sensu: Quiet wearable airflow; mesh back pocket fits a gel pack for extra chill.
Passive “Ice” Neck Rings: ~30–50 min real cool, then steady heat-pull all day; rotate spares from a small insulated pouch—perfect for trains/cafés.
Sunglasses + Cap: Polarized shades tame Tokyo’s glare “laser show”; cap blocks overhead leak-light.
Weatherproofing: Sudden squalls? Pelican/Nanuk hard cases or weather-resistant packs (Peak Design/Hakuba) to protect your camera/tech.
Socks — Uniqlo toe socks: Airflow between toes = less sweat, less stink.
Shirts — Helikon-Tex TopCool Lite: Soft, quick-dry tees with practical pockets/loops.
If you’ve got a heat hack I missed, drop it in the comments. If this helped, follow/subscribe and tap the bell so it reaches folks living in—or soon melting in—Japan.
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Independent show. No sponsors. No affiliate links (…yet). Stay cool, drink water, stretch your hips.Until next time—excuse-me-massen. See ya!
After 14 years in Tokyo, I've built a real life here—but it hasn't always been easy. In this solo episode, I break down the honest love–hate relationship I have with living in Japan long-term. From the everyday rhythm and built-in movement I've come to rely on, to the silent pressure of unspoken rules and the feeling of always being seen as an outsider, even after more than a decade.If you're living in Japan, thinking about staying long-term, or just want a deeper understanding of what life here actually feels like beyond the surface, this one's for you. I talk cultural expectations, identity, mental adaptation, and how I've found peace with not always fitting in.Let me know what your experience has been—DM me on Instagram or reach out through the site.If you enjoy the show and want to help the algorithm recommend it to others living in Japan or considering the move, consider following (or subscribing) and turning on the bell so you don't miss future episodes.
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What should you mentally prepare for before moving to Japan? In this solo episode, I share the mindset shifts and hard truths I wish I understood before coming to Japan 14 years ago. This isn't about packing lists—it's about navigating language barriers, finding your identity as a foreigner, decoding Japanese politeness, managing mental health, and figuring out complex systems like hospitals and Hanko stamps.Whether you're planning a move, already living in Japan, or simply curious about expat life, this episode offers a genuine look at what it takes to build a life here long-term mentally.
🧊 Bonus tip: I also talk about the coolest way to survive Japan's brutal summer heat—literally.
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If you've ever wondered what it's really like to live in Tokyo—beyond the tourist traps and shiny travel reels—this episode's for you. After 14 years here, I'm sharing why I chose to settle down in Kasai, a neighborhood that often gets overlooked but offers comfort, convenience, and a strong sense of community. From local food spots and family-run businesses to easy access to Disney and Tokyo Station, this deep dive covers what makes Kasai feel like home. Whether you're planning a trip or thinking long-term, I hope this gives you a more grounded look at what daily life in Japan can actually be.
Keito's (@NomadPush/ @SweatySuzuki) Video featuring FOODS&BAR Cerdo: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kQTq7T1LMn8
Official Website: https://www.xqsumimasen.com Follow Us: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xqs_podcast Threads: https://www.threads.net/@xqs_podcast
Instagram Links:
Izakaya Donguri(@sumikatuya) - https://www.instagram.com/sumikatuya?igsh=MW1hNjM5bDN5NTFrdA==
Toriman(@kasai.toriman) - https://www.instagram.com/kasai.toriman?igsh=MXBvcWUydGxqeWdqZA==
Foods & Bar Cerdo/Lumberhouse(@lumberhouse627) - https://www.instagram.com/lumberhouse627?igsh=MXFxaXp6eGRjY3hmcg==
Nikuemon(@nikuemon_kasai) - https://www.instagram.com/nikuemon_kasai?igsh=Zno1aWJscGVkcnRk
KURUMU(@kurumu2013) - https://www.instagram.com/kurumu2013?igsh=bm5qamRsdXNwdDJ3
Web Links:
Izakaya Donguri - https://akr3799285875.ows
Niku No Murayama - https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1313/A131305/13185486/
FOODS&Bar Cerdo - https://tabelog.com/en/tokyo/A1313/A131305/13274107/
Lumberhouse - https://r.gnavi.co.jp/4rsupzd30000/
Nikuemon - https://www.hotpepper.jp/strJ001146667/
KURUMU - https://montmorillonite.jp/
After 14 years of living in Japan (and 10 for Devin), we’re sitting down to talk about what really keeps us grounded. From binge-watching old-school dramas and obsessing over YouTube rabbit holes to gaming with our kids and revisiting karaoke favorites, this is what daily life looks like for us now. We’re not anime fanatics or J-pop superfans—we’re just long-term residents trying to stay sane in a country that never stops surprising us. We also touch on how our media habits have changed, how language fluency finally unlocked Japanese TV, and why we’re thankful for sushi that doesn’t break the bank. If you’ve ever wondered what life in Japan actually feels like after the honeymoon phase, this one’s for you.
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Spotify: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/channel/the-xq-sumimasen-podcast/id6480508928
How has life in Japan changed since the pandemic ended? In this episode of The XQ Sumimasen Podcast, Sol and Devin explore major post-COVID shifts across Japanese society in 2025—from lingering mask culture and rising student absenteeism to tourism overload, cashless payment adoption, changing work habits, and the rise of the four-day workweek. With real-life stories, stats, and personal reflections, this episode unpacks what's new in Japan and how the pandemic's long shadow still shapes everyday life.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, 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! 🇯🇵Chapters00:00 Episode Preview00:55 Shogun was Good04:45 Intro05:39 Cash-Based Society13:32 Address System16:36 Recycling30:14 Professionalism37:31 Public Transportation40:09 Tangent: Tsutaya Card45:38 Urban vs Rural Residents53:15 Seasonal Allergies58:06 Tokyo's Immigration Office1:05:14 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! 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!
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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! 🌩️👀