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Society

Page 20

Affairs

Riding the waves

We meet the people finding innovative solutions to the problems on their doorstep, from cleaning up Krakow's air to preserving the skills of Portuguese artisans, in cities from Helsinki to Ho Chi Minh City.

  • The Forecast #10
  • 18 min read
Riding the waves
Society

Changing the picture

When three friends opened a small cinema in the coastal town of Zushi, it was the spark for the city’s cultural transformation.

  • Issue #129
  • 7 min read
Crowds gather at the Zushi Beach Film Festival at dusk, with tents along the waterfront and tree-covered hills behind.
Entrepreneurialism

Modern niches

Whether it’s door-to-door delivery services, cutesy telegrams or ear salons, Japan is home to a host of unique businesses.

  • Issue #129
  • 9 min read
Illustration of a hand selecting an orange geometric bead from a wooden frame structure against a blue background, representing the concept of niche selection.
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
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
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.
Politics

Building up hope

The fighting has stopped in Damascus. But despite the look of normality, this is a city of black-market deals, shortages and deep pessimism.

  • Issue #128
  • 8 min read
A crowd of people dancing under blue stage lights at an indoor party or event.
Urbanism

Dab hand

New York’s whacky mystics are clinging on to real estate in a changing city. Ed Stocker tempts fate by visiting a palm reader.

  • Issue #128
  • 3 min read
Zena Clairvoyant storefront in West Village with red awnings, neon psychic sign, and tarot palm sign.
Politics

Talk show

Pork chops and promises are part of the race for the White House at that livestock-laden oracle, Iowa State Fair.

  • Issue #127
  • 15 min read
Talk show
Society

Up and at ’em

Picking yourself up after a fall isn’t easy – especially for refugee children. But a Swiss mountaineer has found a way to help them scale the heights: climbing up a lorry.

  • Issue #127
  • 3 min read
Up and at ’em

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