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 8)
Totoro and pals want to make you feel warm and fuzzy not just in your heart, but on your feet too.
Western pear hardly ever shows up in desserts in Japan, but does it work as a Frappuccino flavor?
Two of Japan’s favorite sweet snacks of he people team up for a very early, and welcome, start to Halloween snack season.
Kabukicho Tower is supposed to be a landmark for the neighborhood, but we sat more employees than customers on our recent weekday afternoon visit.
Kyoto City Tourism Association extends help to those looking for a place to pray the Islamic way.
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Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
Tokyo train stations get new Olympic melodies and signage for the Games
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Hello Kitty learns sign language in newest friendship with Japanese artist
Studio Ghibli releases new Ursula’s blanket from Kiki’s Delivery Service
Do expensive 10,000 yen Japanese cherries taste better than cheap ones from the supermarket?
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories
Kirby Cafe x Captain Sweets Burger release “double strawberry burgers” exclusive to Tokyo Station
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Weekly
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream- Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Starbucks Reserve Roastery Tokyo releases exclusive Christmas goods in Japan
Monthly
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train- Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
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Do expensive 10,000 yen Japanese cherries taste better than cheap ones from the supermarket?
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories
Kirby Cafe x Captain Sweets Burger release “double strawberry burgers” exclusive to Tokyo Station
Believe it or not, this isn’t a Tokyo vending machine – It’s a secret door to deliciousness
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Japan is getting the cutest Pikachu donuts ever, and another Pokémon will make its donut debut
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Sushi cars are the newest crazy cool dream from Japan’s Tomica line
Two beautiful Totoro Catbus interior piece figures scamper back to the Studio Ghibli store【Pics】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Store where you pay to shoplift returns to Tokyo
18-year-old man stabbed to death for protesting a car blasting loud music in Kamakura
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls
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