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 337)
Graduating from Japan’s biggest idol group means liberation from its no-romance clause, and this former member has now found the love of her life.
Startled kitty’s natural athleticism abandons it when it realizes it’s being followed by its owner.
We taste-test a revolution in potato chips, and realize that something important has been missing all along.
Tokyo is still waiting for its sakura to start blooming, but Hirosaki Castle, in the frozen north, is already beautifully pink.
Famous woodblock print from master painter Hokusai adapted to sneakers that leave the naughty bits to your vivid imagination.
Freebie given to moviegoers for newest Fate/stay night anime movie turns into a major windfall for one fan willing to part with the images of the heroine.
Mail-order fashion company opens Harajuku showroom so fans can see the shirts before they buy, and also offers in-store exclusive patterns.
Hardcore anime fans like to travel and snap pics like anyone else, but there’s something that’s always just out of frame.
Many of the people in the video spent their early lives living in a Japan that was ruled by a shogun.
Animal psychologists from Kyoto University create public service video that’s not about cats, but for the animals themselves to watch and learn from.
No loyalty program or first-class ticket required for this traveler’s oasis with free drinks, loaner Nintendo Switch systems, and shower booths.
The least-faithful prefecture in the survey is often laughed at for being uncool, but responding residents seem to be plenty popular.
Surreal videos show event that led to the creation of four new couples, and might be a surprisingly good fit for Japanese society.
The Royal Express is coming to Hokkaido, but if you can’t wait, it’s already running in the Tokyo area.
Our often-single reporter gets a startling surprise from his girlfriend, and eats something he’s never had before.
MOST POPULAR
Today
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Japan’s cafe that won’t let you go home until you solve a puzzle is opening in Osaka’s canal district
Starbucks Japan has a problem with its sell-out breakfast that might annoy solo diners
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Starbucks Japan releases a new limited-edition Frappuccino inspired by espresso affogato
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Weekly
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]- Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Gundam teams up with 300-year-old daruma maker for wood-carved anime mecha figures[Photos]- Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Krispy Kreme releases new limited-edition fox doughnuts at only four stores in Japan
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Two new Sailor Moon art manhole covers are coming to Usagi’s real-world Tokyo neighborhood
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Monthly
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before- Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
- Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan has a new cute and clever sunblock for cat lovers- Tokyo’s new extra-expensive ramen restaurant is dividing opinions, so we tried a bowl
Yearly
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]
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
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]
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Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Starbucks Japan releases a new limited-edition Frappuccino inspired by espresso affogato
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Ponyo donburi bowl to bring anime ramen to life
Here’s the Studio Ghibli cookbook recipe to make Lin’s Spirited Away sweets she gave to Chihiro
Studio Ghibli still doesn’t allow its anime to be streamed online in Japan, and here’s why
Official Spirited Away cookbook teaches how to make food from the Ghibli anime classic
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
Gigantic gacha machine appears in Tokyo department store for capsule toy celebration
The Japan Burger Championship 2026 in Yokohama next month is the ultimate battle of the beef
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
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