Koomi Kim
Municipal concerns
Forget the stereotype of the ceremonial mayor. Monocle stalks the corridors of city halls around the world to assess the most powerful and persuasive urban leaders, evaluating their successes, failures and ongoing challenges.
Principles of style
We ask two fashion buyers what they look for when selecting brands for their shop and for their top picks for this season and beyond.
Talking shop
From tailor-made coffee to a well-known British supermarket, these examples of good retail and service go further than the average store, thanks to bold ambition, quality and a passion for pleasing customers.
Rocket man
Having dreamt of space travel since childhood, Koichi Wakata is a seasoned astronaut and a household name in Japan. Now he is preparing for his biggest trip yet.
Culture
A Japan military media special, Bollywood's war films, and the "Cairo Year One" exhibition in London.
Japan military media special
Japan’s relationship with its military makes for interesting ideas across all media
Slow lanes
The beautifully preserved town of Obuse in Nagano prefecture is home to old sake breweries and silk farms. It’s also where we parade this season’s womenswear.
It’s a wrap
A leafy getaway spot in central Japan provides the backdrop to our autumn menswear shoot. Here’s our pick of warm coats, jackets and knitwear to keep you cosy as temperatures fall.
The buzz driver
Kajima, one of Japan’s largest engineering firms, is at the forefront of urban biodiversity. We meet Yoriyuki Yamada, the man who sees the future in the birds and the bees.
Acting funny
Big-league comedian and film director Takeshi “Beat” Kitano emerged from working-class roots to fame with his TV programmes and gangster films. This year, he has published his autobiography.
