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 6)
Pikachu and pals make a compelling reason to skip the bullet train while traveling in Japan over the next few months.
Anime/manga-themed café’s baked goods run the range from cute to crazy, just like Chiikawa itself.
Six of Japan’s biggest ice cream makers face accusations of collaborating to keep fairly priced ice cream out of consumers’ hands/stomachs.
Kiki’s next adaptation will draw from her original, pre-anime roots, but will audiences give it a chance?
![Japanese soccer fans show excellent manners as World Cup opens[Pics, video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/wc-1.jpg?w=640 "Japanese soccer fans show excellent manners as World Cup opens[Pics, video]")
Chants and headbands aren’t the only tradition supporters of Japan’s sports teams bring with them when attending events overseas.
With the full-scale train needing to take a break, toymaker Takara Tomy is here to pick up the Slowpoke slack.
![Japanese university welcomes birth of baby deer on campus, president waives entrance exam[Videos]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/nd-1.jpg?w=640 "Japanese university welcomes birth of baby deer on campus, president waives entrance exam[Videos]")
Educator in Nara’s most famous deer town fast tracks admission to institute of higher learning.
Farewell celebration includes giveaways to help fans look a little more like Gundam themselves.
Hello Kitty and friends imagined what their perfect hotel would be like, and they’re inviting you in.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Pokémon Card Stores requiring facial recognition scans for entry in Japan in latest anti-scalper move
Japanese Shinkansen welcomes overnight guests for one night during summer festival
A roadside hair salon stall in China made us Norway’s Haaland for US$1, and warmed out hearts too
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations
Weekly
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji- Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Monthly
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it- Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]- New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Tokyo Pokémon Center announces reopening after months-long closure following stabbing death
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Japan’s expensive “phantom” melon is so exquisite it sells out in just 12 hours
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Pikachu and Ditto Pokémon desserts at Baskin-Robbins Japan look AND feel like their inspirations
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Studio Ghibli Laputa figure looks like it’s really flying thanks to cool visual trick
Starbucks Japan brings back the Caramel Waffle, but is it as good as it used to be?
Japanese government okays plan to create a backup capital city
Family Mart’s new Famima flagship in Tokyo has a hidden gem that most visitors miss
How are you supposed to wash a Japanese futon duvet at the laundromat?
Why is Taco Bell failing in Japan, even as the country falls in love with tacos?
Studio Ghibli adds new Ponyo glassware to its anime lineup for summer
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
-
