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 34)
Mascot characters, a hometown hero, and creative ice cream make this a great place to pull over in Japan’s northernmost prefecture.
Clever design trick brings the Spirited Away star’s otherworldly appearance into your real-world home.
In possibly related incident, Tokyo Metropolitan Police received complaint from foreigner that “I paid the woman the money, but didn’t get to have sex.”
Board of education issues apology to children for emotional damage over their teacher having a part-time job.
Every other store in Tokyo Character Street is open, but Donguri Kyowakoku says it’s not time to shop.
First-ever permanent Pokémon amusement park attractions look like they’re going to be international traveler-friendly too.
Gambling regularly tops lists of unattractive behaviors in Japan, so how did one of the country’s most notable hobbies surpass it?
New law means that one of the host club industry’s standard marketing ploys is now illegal.
Unlimited subway rides, free admission to some of the city’s best sightseeing spots, and no paper ticket you need to pick up at a service counter.
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Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
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War in Iran threatening Japan’s pudding production
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
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Open mail with the awesome Sailor Uranus Space Sword from Japan!
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Brand-new Square Enix Cafe to open in Tokyo…and in Los Angeles too!
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Japan is so hungry for workers it used up its five-year visa quota in record time
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Hello Kitty is now a transforming truck robot[Photos]
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Monthly
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Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
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Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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】
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Open mail with the awesome Sailor Uranus Space Sword from Japan!
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Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
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Japan is home to the cutest bug in the world, but they’re on the verge of extinction
Samurai ritual suicide contest cancelled by organizer in west Japan
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