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Page 134

Society

Japanese lessons

Impeccable service, responsible citizenship and warm hospitality are just some of the practices that make society tick in Japan. Here are 10 things the country can teach the world.

  • Issue #129
  • 5 min read
Japanese lessons
Politics

Tipping point

In Japan, communism is not a dirty word. A top-selling newspaper and donation at the municipal level herald a decisive moment for this leftist, pacifist party.

  • Issue #129
  • 7 min read
Japanese Communist Party politicians campaign from the roof of a van outside a busy urban train station.
Soft Power

Follow the bear

Fluffy, furry mascots are everywhere in Japan but Kumamon has captured the nation’s imagination like no other. We explore his ‘very’ soft-power potential.

  • Issue #129
  • 10 min read
Kumamon, the black bear mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, stands in a fluorescent-lit office corridor lined with shelves.
Design

On the move

We visit the Japanese diasporas that are leaving a distinct mark on the world stage.

  • Issue #129
  • 7 min read
Four Japanese people in winter clothing standing outside the Arabia factory building in Helsinki
Technology

Icely does it

Japan’s sure-footed team of scientists and engineers head out into the cold to monitor our atmosphere.

  • Issue #129
  • 3 min read
A large group of workers in hard hats pose together inside an industrial warehouse with vehicles and equipment around them.
Society

Piggy in the middle

After footage of a boar attacking a man in Fukuoka emerged, the city felt compelled to respond. Monocle’s Kenji Hall joins a patrol.

  • Issue #129
  • 4 min read
A wild boar rummages through a pile of rubbish on a city street at night.
Media

Bear necessities

Tyler Brûlé introduces our Japan special – and chalks up essential dates for your festive diary.

  • Issue #129
  • 4 min read
A cartoon illustration of Kumamon, the black bear mascot, cheerfully greeting a group of people outside a shop.
Affairs

Band of brothers

Georgia’s inaugural Tsinandali Festival is not merely a celebration of classical music. It’s also an attempt to bring together musicians in one orchestra from countries with fractious relations.

  • Issue #128
  • 11 min read
Band of brothers
Affairs

Politics

Ethiopia tackles graft, electoral reform in New Zealand and Hong Kong’s decisive next vote.

  • Issue #128
  • 4 min read
Politics

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