Some of the reasons Japan loves vending machines have nothing to do with an aging society of love of robots.
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 413)
Apparently it’s not just Japanese idol singers themselves who can cause a scandal by being chummy with the group’s fans.
Non-porcine traffic forced to use the slow lane.
Just in time for summer vacation, the Japanese P.E. uniform gets transformed into something for grown-ups.
First glimpse of theme park’s Nintendo World expansion looks as awesome as we’d hoped.
There’s plenty of skin on display, but not from where most people were expecting.
After decades of rumors of a Hollywood movie version of the anime classic, there are now plans to bring the space cowboys to TV instead.
Franchise makes it first appearance on Nintendo’s newest system, and also offers a return trip to the Alola region on 3DS.
Illustrator spreads the word about a happiness that comes from choosing not to get married or have kids.
Instead of eating the eggs, owner parlays annual circle-of-life phenomenon into expansion of his social circle.
Seeks to solve a big problem unique to big-chested women in Japan.
Stores hold drawings to randomly award customers the right to buy coveted video game system.
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Weekly
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Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Monthly
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Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】- Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】- Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
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 drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
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Licca-chan gets the royal treatment in this gorgeous Doll Festival set
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Japanese thug wear from Birth Japan perfect for those breaking bad next year
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Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
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Our writer of Korean descent weighs in on using Korean names in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura drink for cherry blossom season 2025
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Immersive ukiyoe exhibition in Osaka adds some scented flair
Visiting the top sakura site in Kanto…without any planning
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