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 256)
Our resident 100 yen shop expert tries to become better-looking while still keeping his wallet beautifully full.
McCafe by Barista and Belgian chocolatier deliver no fewer than four kinds of chocolate in a single sip.
If everyone loves Pikachu, and everyone loves pudding, there’s no way this won’t be awesome.
Hokusai and other ukiyo-e masters of the Edo period are here to help your crotch look its best.
Officials are worried situation could get even worse as Japan approaches its busiest socializing season.
Following former prime minister’s Super Mario cosplay, says he wants to be like Nintendo star’s in-game “partner,” but doesn’t fully understand the relationship.
The makers of the portable bento box rice cooker are back to help get us through the winter.
MOST POPULAR
Today
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]
Three amazing Japanese convenience store sweet potato desserts to eat right now (and 11 for later)
New Cardcaptor Sakura fashion line delivers magical girl style for real-world ladies
Japanese sweet potato ice cream season! Häagen-Dazs and Muji take different paths to our hearts
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
- Japanese sweet potato ice cream season! Häagen-Dazs and Muji take different paths to our hearts
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
Get more room in your luggage with new clothing compression machines at Haneda and Narita airports- Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
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】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
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]
Three amazing Japanese convenience store sweet potato desserts to eat right now (and 11 for later)
New Cardcaptor Sakura fashion line delivers magical girl style for real-world ladies
Japanese sweet potato ice cream season! Häagen-Dazs and Muji take different paths to our hearts
Bear found on Japanese fishing boat, escapes into the sea
My night trapped in Nagoya’s flood: what do you do when Japan’s trains shut down?
Emperor of Japan poses for photo with Studio Ghibli’s No Face [Video]
Denny’s Mapputatsu? Parfait is hiding a big secret in plain sight that splits us down the middle
Car-floating sheets selling well to cope with increasing flood risk in Japan
Here’s why you’ll never want to hit a hole-in-one 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
Japan restarts at-home collection agent visits for public TV fees
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