Business
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The hand made tale
In a globalised market flooded with faux-artisan branding, real craftsmen are endangered. But in Kyoto, where tradition rules, a new initiative is refreshing generations-old techniques to bring Japanese craft to a worldwide audience.
All in it together
As companies collapse, the frenzied pursuit of profit seems to lead to bankruptcy. But the global resurgence of co-operatives points to a beguiling alternative: put employees and customers first.
The best of times
Each year there are two must-attend watch fairs in Switzerland. The vast Baselworld is still some months away but at the smaller, perfectly formed SIHH the talk was of slimming and self-reliance.
Clean break
This Tennessee city used to be known for smog. Now, Chattanooga has cleaned up its act, establishing itself as a technology hub and home to Volkswagen’s only US factory. How did it happen?
Building sights
BAU is the world’s largest fair for the construction and architecture industries. From grand designs to garden sheds, Monocle visits the design world’s most no-nonsense gathering in Munich.
Looks good on paper
Who puts the lead in your pencil? Probably a German firm with a history of making fine writing instruments. Meet the masters of the stationery cupboard fighting back against digital gadgets.
Business
Diamond cutting in Israel, olive oil farming in Croatia and the business of making Japan cool.
The ice man
Finland’s icebreakers keep the Baltic Sea navigable and its ports open. Captain Tommy Berg of the MSV Fennica says keeping the ship on the right course is ultimately a team effort.
Africa/Middle East
The Houston to Angola flight path, the art-loving tycoon Shafik Gabr and Mauritius's big business ambitions.
