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 390)
Nothing says “Thanks for all your hard work!” like a bonus from your boss given entirely in Japan’s smallest-denomination coins.
Internationally beloved actress explains why her new husband is “awesome” anyway.
Would it really be so great to have your all-female party instantly falling in love with you?
Coming to Japan on winter vacation? Don’t forget your passport, or your local Frappuccino guide.
Satomi Ishihara included in group of eight Japanese idols, actors, and entertainers chosen as among the most attractive in the world.
Who needs the bullet train when you’re a fan with legs of steel?
The country that created the book Everybody Poops now gives you a way to let everybody know.
Industry group wants to make it easier for women to leave their past behind them as they transition to life after porn.
Because when your name is the Hotel Mt. Fuji, you want your customers to be sure they’re going to see Japan’s most famous mountain.
Fan shows us a reason to hang onto your old VHS anime even after you’ve upgraded to newer media versions.
Managers in Japan often use the phrase “Imadoki no wakai mono ha…” to gripe about young people, but this time there’s a twist.
Japanese man dumped just before Christmas hopes for a sympathetic ear, gets emotionally punched twice more in the gut instead.
Visitors are discovering that the “sea of trees” near Mt. Fuji is a wonderful place full of natural life.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Fatal stabbing at Pokémon Center in Tokyo reignites concern over rising stalking cases in Japan
Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Starbucks Japan adds new Sencha Matcha Tea Frappuccino to its menu, but only at 28 locations
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Weekly
- Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country- Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
- Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid- Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Monthly
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino- Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season- 7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
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Japanese politicians working to promote plastic model culture as a cultural asset
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Starbucks Japan adds new Sencha Matcha Tea Frappuccino to its menu, but only at 28 locations
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Japanese kindness restores our faith in humanity after a highway bus accident in Tokyo
The heartwarming story of Japan’s “Weakling Gundam” and the fans who supported it in its hour of need
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
Japan’s adorable new Nikukyu notebooks have the squeezable feel of cat and dog paw pads【Photos】
Japan’s lap-pillow ear-cleaning salons aren’t just for pervy guys, we find out
Why reading their own language gives Mongolians a headache
New Studio Ghibli video conference backgrounds let you work from the worlds of Marnie and Porco
Sushi Pokémon Tatsugiri inspires real-life Pokémon sushi and Japanese kitchenware line【Photos】
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