Casey Baseel
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Casey Baseel spent his formative years staring in frustration at un-subtitled Japanese TV programming shown on Southern California’s international channel. Taking matters into his own hands, he moved to Tokyo to study the language, then found work in Yokohama a decade ago teaching, translating, and marketing hotels he can’t afford to stay in. When not participating in the eternal cycle of exercising to burn the calories form his love of Japanese food, Casey scours used comic and game shops for forgotten classics, drags his wife around the country in a quest to visit all its castles, sings karaoke not nearly as well as he thinks he does, and counts the days until the summertime bars open on Enoshima Beach.
Posted by Casey Baseel
Shinto shrine in Kyoto has become globally famous for its beauty, but inconsiderate visitors are ruining the view for everyone but themselves.
Feline railway legacy continues with two kitties inaugurated as stationmasters in Wakayama Prefecture.
They couldn’t make it in time for Christmas, but we’re glad these Studio Ghibli stars are here now.
Tokyo’s record-breaking New Year’s Day fish market auction tuna arrives at one of Japan’s favorite casual sushi restaurant chains.
A list of Japan’s three-day weekends plus two vacation periods to dodge if you want to miss the crowds and high prices.
Japan’s young adult foreign national population is soaring while its ethnically Japanese counterpart is shrinking.
Extra-luxurious travel mode returning to Tokyo-Kyoto-Osaka bullet train route for first time in over two decades.
Whether you’re looking for a new love or to take an existing one to the next level, the gods are ready to help you at these four Shinto spots.
Civic leaders see economic upsides and cultural difficulties in Japan’s accelerating internationalization.
Train to off-the-beaten-path onsen town gives you a taste of Japanese bathing culture even before you arrive at your destination.
Intricately detailed frames let you mix your real life memories with Ghibi’s unforgettable anime settings.
J-horror classic Ring 2 airing on Japanese TV with Zen monk offering prayers every time someone dies
Japan’s most quirkily empathetic monk is back to keep bad mojo away from us as the year ends.
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Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Maguro mountain! Giant sashimi bowls of this Ginza restaurant are even bigger than promised
Part of the family – Tokyo Shinto shrine’s blessings for children now available for pets too
The meaning of the mandarin and 6 other Japanese New Year traditions explained
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
New North Korean Sneakers Bear More than a Passing Resemblance to Japanese Brand
Japan’s wildest Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony celebrates new adults in Kitakyushu 【Photos】
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Weekly
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Monthly
- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- 10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
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Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
New North Korean Sneakers Bear More than a Passing Resemblance to Japanese Brand
Japan’s wildest Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony celebrates new adults in Kitakyushu 【Photos】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Official microwaveable Cup Noodle-Use Measuring Cup is now a reality, could be yours if you act fast
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Foreign travelers now spend more money in Japan than ever before, surprise country at top of list
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Is the wedding bouquet toss a form of harassment? Some Japanese women say “Yes”
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japan’s cooling body wipe sheets want to help you beat the heat, but which work and which don’t?
Why are there so many reincarnation and villainess anime and manga? Manga editor explains
Costars rave about Ryunosuke Kamiki’s dedication to his role in upcoming Rurouni Kenshin films
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