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 365)
Winter wonderland makes a surprise appearance in the middle of August during Japan’s hottest summer ever.
Torii gates always have an elegant allure, but none quite like this shrine’s.
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The country was proud when “emoji” and “anime” became part of English-speakers’ vocabulary. But when the British government uses the Japanese word for “train gropers?” Not so much.
We hit the coast with a group of international students for a day of sun, surf…and maybe romance?
The money wasn’t meant for him, but the intended recipient has no clue who the woman is either.
More variety than we’d hoped for at far less than we’d ever expect to pay make this a great place to try types of sushi you’ve never had before.
Enako, one of Japan’s most popular and beautiful cosplayers, is ready for her close-ups dressed in an alternate costume of a beloved anime heroine.
In previous years, the famous and adorable Pokémon went to sleep when the sun went down, but this time they’re staying up late to party!
When you open the door, you’re not just coming home, but stepping into a world of awesome bargains and services that we sometimes overlook.
Mountain hiking trail looks as congested as any Tokyo-area expressway.
Eevees appears en masse at the annual Pikachu Outbreak in Yokohama to grab their share of the Pokémon spotlight.
Soaring temperatures couldn’t stop these amazing cosplayers from shining brighter than the sizzling sun at this year’s premier otaku gathering.
Two decades after the first Pokémon movie, fans still remember this battle and its intensity is on full display in this amazing piece.
Beloved 16-bit game’s protagonist seemingly makes cameo appearance in the clouds of amazing video.
Tokyo-based company has a clever solution to one of the most common problems visitors face when traveling in Japan.
Video game company’s iconic logo serves as motif for new treat from maker of edible Magikarp Pokémon.
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
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
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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Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Pikachu cakes and other adorable Pokémon 30th anniversary food coming to Tokyo luxury hotel
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Starbucks Japan releases a new limited-edition Frappuccino inspired by espresso affogato
Japan’s adorable pudding chick becomes a transit card mascot
Studio Ghibli releases Ponyo donburi bowl to bring anime ramen to life
Sushi Pizza surprises diners in one of the best food destinations in Japan
Studio Ghibli still doesn’t allow its anime to be streamed online in Japan, and here’s why
Here’s the Studio Ghibli cookbook recipe to make Lin’s Spirited Away sweets she gave to Chihiro
Beautiful Ghibli anime uchiwa fans are like little posters you can use to keep yourself cool
Official Spirited Away cookbook teaches how to make food from the Ghibli anime classic
Gigantic gacha machine appears in Tokyo department store for capsule toy celebration
Mr. Sato takes a walk on Tokyo’s American-style street to get some American/Japanese ice cream
133-year-old Japanese company’s cookies go beyond matcha with dashi and shichimi flavors
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