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 437)
Genuine service, or meaningless marketing ploy? We conduct an experiment to see what happens if you pass on the Golden Arches’ offer to see some pearly whites.
Or claim all the love for themselves, if they so desire.
Smelly handshake event prompts frank discussion and suggested solutions for common problem at idol appearances.
Journal Standard comes up with a burger that’s anything but standard, and also inordinately delicious.
From nearly 20 meters above the ground, the Unicorn Gundam looks out over Tokyo.
Coffeehouse chalkboard encourages customers to think about situations in coffee-growing regions of the world.
Kodo drummers help modern technology blend with one of Japan’s most traditional instruments.
Pair perfectly recreates look of the human stars of the beloved Studio Ghibli anime.
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Umamusume anime concerts unable to obtain visas from U.S. government, cancels L.A. shows
Tiny no-screen digital camera gives us near-instant nostalgia by making us wait to see our pics
Man in Suzuka offered 9 million yen for his semen, conned out of 38 million yen
Flying Mud Boat teahouse is a hidden gem in Japan that boggles the mind
Tokyo bakery has a crazy expensive 10,000-yen bread loaf set, and we’ve tried it [Taste test]
Eight low-key great places to spend the day (or half a day) in Japan this fall
It’s time for the kokia to shine at this herb gardens and ropeway attraction in Kobe
Umamusume anime concerts in U.S. may have to be cancelled over visa problems
New Studio Ghibli stamps – Too cute to wait until New Year’s to use, so they’re available right now
Robot matchmaking party in Japan has couples sit silently, techno cupids make small talk for them
Weekly
Studio Ghibli creates illustrated Kyoto sightseeing map, available at any 7-Eleven Japan store
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
American man runs out of money in Japan, gets arrested for overstaying tourist visa
Foreign travelers sitting on sidewalks of Tokyo’s Ginza are Japan’s latest tourism culture clash
Studio Ghibli adds new Totoro and Jiji blanket socks to its merchandise store in Japan
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan- New Studio Ghibli stamps – Too cute to wait until New Year’s to use, so they’re available right now
Studio Ghibli adds Totoro family goods to its anime merchandise store in Japan
We waited three hours to get into the new carb heaven all-you-can-eat bread restaurant in Osaka
What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Monthly
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]- Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]- What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime stationery collection, with a Spirited Away River God memo stand
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
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Eight low-key great places to spend the day (or half a day) in Japan this fall
It’s time for the kokia to shine at this herb gardens and ropeway attraction in Kobe
Umamusume anime concerts in U.S. may have to be cancelled over visa problems
New Studio Ghibli stamps – Too cute to wait until New Year’s to use, so they’re available right now
Robot matchmaking party in Japan has couples sit silently, techno cupids make small talk for them
There are goats spending every day in downtown Tokyo, but why? [Photos]
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
Voting begins for Japan’s next top kaiju
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli creates illustrated Kyoto sightseeing map, available at any 7-Eleven Japan store
The cheapest bento at this Osaka shop is only 200 yen, but is it actually any good?
Burger King Japan now selling hamburgers minus everything but the meat
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Anti-NHK activist recommends “magic words” that will drive away fee collectors instantly
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