Madoka Sakamoto
Ahead of the game
The sports writer has a tough job. Crafting a story that’s more than mere results reporting takes toil – especially when sports players are often famously ineloquent. And then there are the deadlines.
Expo 55: Naha
Despite a complex history and political identity, Naha seems healthy, happy and relaxed. It's a world away from Japan’s manic big cities, yet sits at a vital strategic point in East Asia.
Home front
The functional concrete bungalows hastily built after the Second World War to house the US troops are becoming a popular option for young Japanese looking for more living space.
5 Loveable cities
These are the five cities that have made our pinboard and deserve our mention even if they did not appear in our Quality of Life index. Whether it be for the transformation they have…
Friends in high places
In Tokyo, The Share is an innovative scheme offering modest personal spaces linked to sprawling, well-designed communal areas, attracting a new breed of housemate who is happy to share.
Turning the tables
At China’s International Furniture Expo, Furniture Labo launched its Stellar Works collection. Proud to be made in Shanghai, it’s not only gaining fans abroad but also targeting discerning Chinese clients.
Expo 45: Rome
Rome’s citizens will tell you that too many things just don’t work in their city. But it still maintains an enviable quality of life with its markets, piazzas and architectural surprises.
Expo 45: Seoul
Many cities claim to be 24-hour party places but nowhere is a hedonists’ dream quite like Seoul. A dizzying mix of people, lights, traffic and consumption, this is the South Korean capital's great appeal.
