“A little” shanking is requested, but that’s not the only weird thing about the baffling bits of Japanese flavor text.
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 366)
”It’s like Godzilla is attacking.”
Veteran employee was involved in measuring radiation levels immediately after 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Typhoon makes Kansai International’s runway indistinguishable from the ocean around the island, turns 5.7 million-pound boat into instrument of havoc.
College student sets national karaoke quality record by tricking the machine with the sounds of his horn.
Slim Shady’s inspiration remains murky, and could be J-pop megastar Utada Hikaru or someone else entirely.
From wannabe gangster to would-be 2-D heartthrob in just seconds.
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Cheap joke item could lead to gruesome disfigurement thanks to terrifying packaging snafu.
Even amphibians love Japan’s unmanned drink dispensers, but what do you do if you want your change?
If Nintendo won’t make a sequel, you can make one yourself, and turn your home into a haunted house, for just a few bucks.
Players can use cardboard boxes, Snake’s patented hold-up move to outwit armed human guards.
After carrying passengers to Hokkaido, the Hokutosei is now taking guests to slumberland with a great location and special beer.
When a student’s love of anime pops up during school time, some teachers would be mad, but this one decided to be awesome instead.
Chamber of Raven would be a cool video game stage, but instead it’s an amazing real-world restaurant.
New rules aims to close loophole that lets language school students spend as much of the year working full-time as attending class.
Anime serious famous for its dramatic sound effects and fashionable heroes makes one out of the other with cool and clever artwork trick.
Learned everything covered in class? You get 100 percent. Learned more than what was covered in class? Then you get a bonus.
Three-on-three league for young ladies sounds like the plot of an anime series itself, but it’s a real-life sports organization.
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Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
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Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli combines anime and craftsmanship in new Totoro and Jiji Gobelin tapestry bags
We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Speed trap camera stolen from Saitama Police while in use
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Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese sweets brand creates new drinkable Cigare and we’re totally here for it
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- 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
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]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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We try out the joys of Japan’s kakuuchi wine vending machine
Speed trap camera stolen from Saitama Police while in use
Why you shouldn’t feel guilty about using manga for studying and the top series for learning
Japan’s new pettably fuzzy cat-shaped earbud chargers meow to let you know their status[Video]
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Mt Fuji installs new emergency shelters ahead of the 2026 climbing season
Taco Spaghetti appears in Japan, and our taco fan rushes to try it[Taste test]
Japanese convenience store coffees are now bigger than ever, thanks to the new “Deka Drink” trend
Live-action Persona adaptation to be produced by Netflix, probably not set in Japan
Krispy Kreme Japan releases new fruit doughnuts…that taste better cold
Japan’s Pokémon mailboxes saved from removal with last-minute extension on final day
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
The adorable, delicious joy of the Totoro cream puff gift box[Taste test]
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