They’re almost too pretty to eat, but you’ll need to chow down if you want to get Japan’s most delicious traditional luck boost.
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 (Page 136)
Three different teas and Hasamiyaki ceramics make tea time with the Studio Ghibli star cute and classy.
Select branches of Japan’s favorite curry chain are serving up a taste of Niigata in Tokyo and Kanagawa.
Every year all eyes are on the flashiest fashions at Kitakyushu, but there’s another side to the story.
Japan’s favorite casual donut chain collaborates with one of the country’s best patissiers for a four-donut chocolate gateau lineup, and we try them all.
Capsule House K was the mountain retreat of architect Kisho Kurosawa, but now it can be yours for the night.
Tom Nook, Isabelle, and more characters from the hit Nintendo series are here for a real-world seasonal event.
What started out feeling like a dumb gag manga became a source of strength as our otaku reporter searched for a purpose in life.
The Spy x Family lucky bag takes its time revealing its secrets, but that’s part of what makes it so fun.
We check out the cafe the star of the street racing anime/manga franchise would have to get on a plane or boat in order to visit.
Tokyo cafe introduced the dessert to Japan almost 90 years ago, and the rest is sweets history.
Respondents pick two casts of Nintendo characters they want to see get the anime treatment above Link and Zelda.
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Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
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Public restrooms in Osaka to get in-stall video screens with ads
“Online streamer” tops dream job poll for young Japanese kids, older kids not so interested
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Starbucks Japan opens new Kyoto store in Place of Scenic Beauty
Japan’s first-ever capybara cat cafe opens in Tokyo
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
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Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid- Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
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Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
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Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino- Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
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Japan’s first-ever capybara cat cafe opens in Tokyo
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
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Starbucks releases a Kyoto Matcha Latte in Japan for a limited time
Ghibli Museum building becomes a cuddly cushion
The best Hobonichi diaries, covers and stationery for 2026
Muscly Japanese men fill stock photo site with hilarious poses in unusual settings
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
Put down the soy sauce! We try a new “expert” way to season your sushi【Taste test】
Great Gundam news! Japan’s life-size moving giant robot statue won’t close down this year after all
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