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!

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