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 320)
When it’s time to say goodbye to Japan at the end of your trip, don’t forget to say goodbye to the sushi too.
You can’t produce a foreign resident card when you’re not a foreigner.
Studio Ghibli co-founder also had two iron-clad conditions for the upcoming kabuki adaptation of his classic anime film.
Pop-up design lets you feel like a king in whichever part of your home you claim for your castle of gaming, web-surfing, or reading solitude.
Mr. Sato follows the lead of trendy teens with a little tapiru time with a giant boba drink.
Forcefully given, unsolicited gifts aren’t usually what anyone wants in a public bathroom, but this was an exception.
Kyoto swordsmanship teacher was asked to replicate video game attack.
The makers of Japan’s cutest animal drinkware add mug handles and kawaii cats to their lineup.
The country’s favorite portable food is your best friend while traveling in Japan, and here are 10 types to become buddies with.
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Beautiful Studio Ghibli coin/card cases recreate scenes and props from anime classics [Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Sanrio to release own rhythm game for smartphones next January
Converse Japan and one of Japan’s greatest painters combine for fine fowl shoes [Photos]
Japan restarts at-home collection agent visits for public TV fees
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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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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
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Yearly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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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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Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand
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Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Pikachu plushie actually goes into space as part of Pokémon/European Space Agency collaboration
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New Cardcaptor Sakura fashion line delivers magical girl style for real-world ladies
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US$9,700 solid-gold Pokémon figure going on sale in Japan, life-size gold-leaf Pikachu appears too
Final Fantasy VII’s Buster Sword gets real-world practicality as a giant towel [Photos]
My night trapped in Nagoya’s flood: what do you do when Japan’s trains shut down?
Japanese sweet potato ice cream season! Häagen-Dazs and Muji take different paths to our hearts
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