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
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.
![Bears appear at one of Kyoto Prefecture’s most popular tourist spots[Video]](https://soranews24.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2026/06/1_1aa61d.jpg?w=640 "Bears appear at one of Kyoto Prefecture’s most popular tourist spots[Video]")
People have been traveling to Amanohashidate for centuries, and this week apparently bears are too.
MOST POPULAR
Today
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different
New research reveals that the key to efficient memorization may be in exhaling
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Weekly
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
- Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls- Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Monthly
- New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
- Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]- Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Yearly
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
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different
New research reveals that the key to efficient memorization may be in exhaling
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Sizzling on a hot plate?! American sushi rolls break all the rules at this Japanese restaurant
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Shouting “Hakata Salt!”, the number four track in Japanese nationwide karaoke ranking
Japan’s Pikachu and Eevee Pokémon mailboxes to be removed at end of month
Kiki’s Delivery Service to be adapted to live-action series by BBC, Studio Ghibli not involved
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
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