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.

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://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