Business
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Holiday express
For passengers on Japan’s redesigned Saphir Odoriko trains, the vacation begins from the moment that they board, thanks to comfy seating, top-quality food and huge windows to help them enjoy the view.
People’s palaces
Vienna’s ‘Gemeindebau’ apartment blocks were built out of necessity but an emphasis on social cohesion and affordability means that they might now be the world’s best public housing.
Media on the move
We visit two bold companies finding canny ways to pivot their product for changing audiences. Transhelvetica, a Swiss magazine, and Spiritland, a London-based hospitality and audio venture, are each shaping the media landscape for…
The master craftsman: Shimada Takayuki
The unassuming Shimada Gama workshop in Gotsu doubles up as an open-air museum of traditional stoneware pottery. It specialises in creating large pieces that are burnt in a sloped wood-fired kiln. We talk to…
Gaja: the next generation of winemakers
Five generations after Giovanni Gaja founded his eponymous winery in the Piedmont town of Barbaresco, the family continues to produce some of Italy’s best vintages. Their uncompromising commitment to quality is helping to maintain…
Yerevan’s open doors
We shine a spotlight on entrepreneurship in Armenia. Yerevan’s boulevards are lined with magnificent Soviet architecture but venture beyond the imperious façades and you’ll find a busy start-up scene and well-funded art centres. Armenia…
Mater: designed to last
Long before environmentalism became a popular concern, Henrik Marstrand created Mater, a Danish furniture company that prides itself on timeless pieces with sustainability at the core. Marstrand’s entrepreneurial spirit and faith in the circular…
The bold business owner: Takeshi Yamanaka
In 1928 Maruni Wood Industry was born out of a fascination with the masterful carpentry in ancient shrines. Today its furniture is found in the Californian headquarters of Apple as well as airport lounges,…
The future of Japanese craftsmanship
To celebrate our book about Japan, we are presenting a film series that dives into the intriguing ecosystem that has preserved Japanese traditional skills over centuries. Meet the people who are future-proofing the age-old…
This is Chengdu
We land in the capital of Sichuan province in China for a tour of its delights, from spicy hotpot to leafy neighbourhoods.
