We test whether Kate’s kogao masks help with one of Japanese women’s most desired beauty goals.
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 252)
Take-out from expensive restaurant in the most expensive part of Tokyo hurts the wallet, thrills the taste buds.
Conveyor belt sushi chain Sushiro lets us in on a new way to use flavors that were right there the whole time.
One person can’t deliver presents to all the kids of the world, but maybe that’s not a sad thing after all.
A year and a half after the attack that killed 36 people, mental health questions are no longer a road block to trial.
Japan’s one-person bento box-sized rice cooker gets double-decker version that cooks side dishes too
Because if you’ve got fresh-cooked rice right at your desk, you’re going to want something to go with it right?
Man in Japan told he owes “unpaid adult web site fees,” ends up giving scammers over 100 million yen
Maybe it’s best to just walk away…
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Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
Pikachu plushie actually goes into space as part of Pokémon/European Space Agency collaboration
Famous Kyoto shrine has a message for foreign tourists who think it’s okay to dance at sacred sites
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Final Fantasy VII’s Buster Sword gets real-world practicality as a giant towel [Photos]
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Weekly
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month- Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand
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Bear spotted near most popular hiking trail on Tokyo’s most popular hiking mountain- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
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OC Japan Fair returns to California packed with all kinds of Japanese culture
Japanese convenience store is very focused with its new bento…maybe TOO focused
Tokyo’s Square Burger claims it’s a viral hit with foreign tourists who’ve given it near-perfect Google reviews
Monthly
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitors- New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Hobonichi unveils new 2027 planners, diaries and stationery with One Piece, Suica Penguin, Hello Kitty and a must-buy Mini Techo
Farewell Final Ceremony announced for Tokyo’s life-size Gundam statue, will stream live
Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
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Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
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My night trapped in Nagoya’s flood: what do you do when Japan’s trains shut down?
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Denny’s Mapputatsu? Parfait is hiding a big secret in plain sight that splits us down the middle
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Car-floating sheets selling well to cope with increasing flood risk in Japan
Japanese convenience store is very focused with its new bento…maybe TOO focused
Three Daiso ideas for a super-cheap but still cool (or cute) Halloween look
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
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