Fuminari Yoshitsugu
Umekita Park – Osaka’s newest development proving greenery has a place and purpose in urban environments
Osaka isn’t known for generous green spaces but its latest multiuse development is an exception. Monocle visits the expansive station-connected park.
The forgotten underpass of Tokyo’s Skwat Kameari has become a creative, cultural hotspot
With his new arts and retail project, Keisuke Nakamura is bringing a long-neglected corner of the Japanese capital to life.
Why Tokyo’s designers still work by hand and how it keeps Japanese design exciting
The Japanese capital is a city rich with reasons to celebrate design, rooted in a sense of community and respect for every step of the process.
How locals saved and reinvented a modernist Junzo Sakakura building
A modernist icon was saved from demolition by the local community and given a second chance. It’s now a cultural complex with a striking 19-key hotel. Shall we show you around?
The artisans battling to keep craft alive with achingly beautiful creations
Monocle looks at the ways that artisans around the world are preserving ancient skills and processes by making sure that they remain relevant and desirable in the modern world.
Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2025: The 10 most liveable cities in the world
We present our 18th annual Quality of Life survey: a ranking of the world’s municipalities according to what they do better than anyone else, be it health, safety, housing or nightlife.
Japan has taken up the mantle for Expo 2025, showcasing the design world’s brightest ideas
Expo 2025 aims to demonstrate the potential for both incremental and drastic change, bringing countries together to share ideas and innovations for a better future.
Barking up the right tree: Inside Japan’s billion-Yen luxury pet lifestyle boom
Meet the companies catering to Japan's ever-growing love for its four-legged friends, with everything from dog buggies to grooming services and canine disaster rations.
Interview: Sou Fujimoto on restoring balance with nature
Ahead of a career retrospective, the Japanese architect and Expo 2025 masterplanner remains committed to breaking boundaries.
Japanese label Kaptain Sunshine settles down in Tokyo
The brand’s long-awaited flagship combines good architecture with attractive product design.
