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 22)
Totoro-themed bakery whips up new batch of treats inspired by the Studio Ghibli anime classic.
Designed to let foreign goods in while keeping foreign ideas out, this Nagasaki neighborhood is one of the most historically significant places in Japan.
Osaka factory design firm turned to Epic Games for advice on its motivation-boosting system.
Family Mart’s festival of fried foods also includes fried chicken-themed accessories, clothing items, and luggage.
Chocolates, insulated bags, and tumblers featuring stars from Cardcaptor Sakura, Magic Knight Rayearth, and more.
Nitori wans to provide everything you could need for your home, including your gaming space.
Nagoya’s otaku district has a new center for idols, idol fans, and idol fans who want to feel like an idol.
Sega recreates video from the the 16-bit console wars of the ’90s to promote Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds.
Reaction to Kitty-chan and friends has been so positive that they’ll be sticking around a little longer at regional airport.
22 teams gather, but only one can walk away with the title of best Kura Sushi chefs in the world.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Japan’s budget chain restaurant Saizeriya might just be the perfect first date location
We asked our Japanese team of writers how they deal with seasonal allergies in Japan
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Tokyo train little luxury showdown – Green Car vs. Kaiji, which is more comfortable?
Fire breaks out in Kyoto hotel, mobile battery to blame
The town with Japan’s best castle also has one of Japan’s best breakfasts. Here’s where to eat it
Weekly
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)- Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones- Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza- Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026- Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals- Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]- Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Now is the time to visit one of Tokyo’s best off-the-beaten-path plum blossom gardens
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
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
7-Eleven Japan’s giant fried chicken skewer would be too big to eat, so it’s really for cuddling
Tokyo train little luxury showdown – Green Car vs. Kaiji, which is more comfortable?
Fire breaks out in Kyoto hotel, mobile battery to blame
The town with Japan’s best castle also has one of Japan’s best breakfasts. Here’s where to eat it
We tried Korea’s way-too-big King Tonkatsu Burger at Lotteria 【Taste Test】
Real-world Final Fantasy wedding plan reservations start in Japan, and it looks amazing【Photos】
Japan’s super easy sweet potato spread lets you make sweet potato bread thanks to Don Quijote
One-handed pizza from Domino’s Japan is the ultimate convenience
Summer nights at this amazing Tokyo open-air museum are like stepping back in time
How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]
Mobile battery fire breaks out on Tokyo’s main commuter line
Studio Ghibli releases amazing new My Neighbour Totoro merchandise in Japan
-
