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 318)
Not a Shinkai or Miyazaki anime, nor a CG-created wonderland, this is one of Japan’s best train journeys.
We’ve visited the real-world location for the pivotal scene in the anime event of the summer, but it’s about to disappear forever.
Who knew Uniqlo was such a good place to hunt for an an iconic anime costume?
Signs of the seasons, from rainbows to cherry blossoms, have never looked as good, or tasty, as these breathtaking nerikiri desserts.
Sure, planning what to buy at Summer Comiket is important, but so is planning what/how to wash ahead of time.
Parting is sweet, sticky sorrow for loyal fans of Soft On Demand as commemorative edition marks the end of an era.
We’re not sure if this counts as cosplay, but it looks exactly like the Disney pirate tale.
Gasoline-accelerated mass homicide has policy makers reevaluating current safety regulations.
Companies says it deeply appreciates global messages of support, apologizes for slow response.
Pokémon’s actual creators take a moment to remind us that it’s not Nintendo who’s crafting Pikachu and his pals’ video game adventures.
Ordinarily “self-reliant” company wants to accept the kindness of others following tragic attack that has left 34 dead.
Pikachu is ready to help you beat the heat at this year’s amazing Pikachu Outbreak Pokémon fan event.
Rooftop was accessible, and the company had even received a certificate of commendation from the city of Kyoto for excellent fire safety.
Arguably the Shinkai-est anime yet, and perhaps the beginning of a connected Makoto Shinkai cinematic universe?
MOST POPULAR
Today
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Speed trap camera stolen from Saitama Police while in use
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Weekly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Family Mart Japan installs red-eyed “Monster Wolf” to keep bears away from convenience store
Starbucks Japan creates special drink bottle bags, adorable stickers for all 47 prefectures[Pics]
Starbucks Japan reopens Shinkansen platform store after redesigning it for speed- Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine- Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian dates
- Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Monthly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
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
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Live-action Persona adaptation to be produced by Netflix, probably not set in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Mt Fuji installs new emergency shelters ahead of the 2026 climbing season
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
New live-action Pokémon adaptation announced for Pokémon Unite
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Here’s what Shibuya’s famous scramble intersection looked like after the Japan vs. Sweden match
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
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