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 449)
Move would make Makoto Shinkai’s hit eligible for consideration at February’s Oscar awards, but does it have a chance of winning?
Proposed tax hike aims to reduce the number of people lighting up before the Olympic flame comes to Tokyo.
You’re never too old to catch Pokémon GO fever and experience the pros and cons of history’s most popular smartphone game.
Celebration’s image tarnished in recent years as partiers leave huge amounts of trash on the streets.
In just over one minute, video takes us on an emotional journey through 20 years of Pokémon passion.
The game’s golden anniversary is still 30 years away, but you can get your hands on a pure-gold Pokémon card this winter.
”Adorable” and “arachnid” aren’t two words we usually associate with each other, but this video is changing our minds.
MOST POPULAR
Now
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
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Japan’s ministry of economy reminds us to “use sound judgment” before buying toilet paper
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Pick a beautiful blossom from Shinjuku Station’s limited-time flower vending machine
Japanese toilets become even more high-tech with new floating panels
We tried a Japanese egg steamer to achieve the perfect breakfast eggs without a stove
“Online streamer” tops dream job poll for young Japanese kids, older kids not so interested
Weekly
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season- 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
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid- Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
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
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character- Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
- 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- Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Pick a beautiful blossom from Shinjuku Station’s limited-time flower vending machine
Japanese toilets become even more high-tech with new floating panels
We tried a Japanese egg steamer to achieve the perfect breakfast eggs without a stove
“Online streamer” tops dream job poll for young Japanese kids, older kids not so interested
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Here it is: The finalized map for Super Nintendo World at Universal Studios Japan (and its food)
“Bumping men” are a uniquely Japanese class of criminals that are hard to deal with
Want to be in I Am Legend? Website uses Google Street View to show cities after the fall of man
Deer are appearing in Osaka City, may have wandered there from Nara[Video]
Pikachu is opening his own take-out Pokémon sweets shop in Tokyo!
-
