Fiona Wilson
Sports Expo
Sport and socialising are best combined. Monocle tried out three activities that value a friendly chat, and the odd beer, as highly as working up a sweat.
Most liveable city: Tokyo
Marking the biggest shake-up in the survey’s nine-year history, Monocle’s 2015 Quality of Life survey awards Tokyo the number one city to call home. Rising from second place in 2014, the Japanese capital’s defining…
Senior style in Japan – living the good life at 80
For many older people in Japan work isn’t just a way to keep busy but also a source of happiness and wellbeing. From a 71-year-old barber to a 100-year-old café owner, Monocle visits Japan’s…
Step ahead
The popularity of Goro climbing boots on and off the mountains is testament to the brand’s unique shoe-making process.
Yuichiro Miura
Legendary mountain climber Yuichiro Miura, who made headlines for conquering Everest at the age of 80, talks inspiration, near-disasters and his passion for steak.
The view from here
With an outward-looking location, a unique local focus and strong civic pride, Fukuoka’s distinctive media landscape is booming. The city's residents value its independent press, which resists Tokyo's authority.
Art house scene
A Japanese couple’s search for a home led to a love of traditional living and local architecture. They also found that, in their cultured town, older buildings are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Gender specifics
Japan’s culture is steeped in patriarchy but for business to thrive that needs to change. We meet four women who have overcome the hurdles to lead their field.
Art of the ages
From cedar bentwood to eyewear, Japan’s dedicated craft capitals are an enlightening model of traditional manufacturing. We explore towns keeping ancient skills alive in the modern age.
All you can eat
From Perth’s farmers’ markets to Berlin’s coffee shops and Mexico City’s trendiest tables, small-scale food entrepreneurs are proving that flavour, flexibility and community can build lasting businesses.
