Why should we go hunt for bargains when we’ve already got all we really need (fried chicken) right here?
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 17)
Sakura Veil plumpers make a stop at temple in the Kyoto foothills before making their way to convenience stores.
Jiko bukken survey examines the deal-breakers and deal-makers among apartment hunters in Japan.
The winter favorite is coming back to keep us all warm and full in the coldest part of the year.
We only took this ride to keep a promise to two elementary school girls, but it turned out to be well worth the ticket price.
Century-old dorayaki specialist in Ginza is asking for a little more considerateness from its recently expanded foreigner fan base.
Kumacon provides everything you need to deal with up to a three-day bear siege, manufacturer says.
Public reactions to redevelopment plan for Japan’s largest collection of historically significant artwork has been less than positive.
As foreign visitor numbers and overtourism concerns both reach historic highs, policymakers think they may have found a way to use one to address the other.
Path through the forest of wild Pokémon could strain some visitors’ legs, ticket cost might be hard on their hearts.
Playful PlayStation team celebrates local Ryogoku culture and takes a PS5 to Kanda Shrine for a traditional autumn event.
25 years after the Suica Penguin helped revolutionize how Japan buys train ticket and shops, JR’s plans for the future don’t include the character.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
A Kyoto factory vending machine sells gourmet mystery meals at bargain prices
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Japanese breast size study shows rapid growth in previously smallest-busted region of county
KFC will straight-up sell you a bag of fried chicken skin in Indonesia
Hayao Miyazaki gifts autographed Ghibli anime cel to president of France[Photo]
Japan’s Mos Burger creates tempura rice bowl bento boxed lunch burger, but not for its menu
Weekly
- Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Monthly
- Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
- Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
- Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country- Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
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 prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Japanese breast size study shows rapid growth in previously smallest-busted region of county
KFC will straight-up sell you a bag of fried chicken skin in Indonesia
Hayao Miyazaki gifts autographed Ghibli anime cel to president of France[Photo]
Japan’s Mos Burger creates tempura rice bowl bento boxed lunch burger, but not for its menu
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Extreme budget travel! Can you do a good weekend trip to Taiwan with 50,000 yen (US$370)? – Part 1
Turns out you can draw all four original starter Pokémon with just three colored pencils【Video】
Kyoto shrine holding beautiful after-dark cherry blossom event this spring
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
This dorayaki spot is one of the best sweets shop in Tokyo that people don’t know about yet
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