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 345)
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.
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Starbucks Japan releases first-ever gacha capsule toys, featuring iconic menu items as plush coffee charms
Starbucks Japan unveils new coffee drinks… for people who don’t drink coffee
Katana of one of Japan’s most famous swordsmen goes on display to help Kumamoto earthquake victims
Sanrio’s newest item looks like dog butt, exactly like it’s supposed to [Photos]
Okayama man arrested for catching butterflies in central Japan
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
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Kumamoto Castle left illuminated all night long as symbol of hope for earthquake victims
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season
Weekly
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Monthly
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]- New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
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】
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Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Kumamoto Castle left illuminated all night long as symbol of hope for earthquake victims
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Official Final Fantasy beers are going on sale in Tokyo this month, giant Aetheryte appearing too
Maximum entry fee for sento public baths in Tokyo increases slightly for adults next month
Life-size Legendary Pokémon Mega Rayquaza digitally greeting travelers at Tokyo train station [Vid]
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
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