Inside Tokyo’s colourful community bus

Proteca’s 50-litre FreeWalker GL is the latest addition to our ever-expanding range of travel products. Made at the Akabira Factory in Hokkaido by Japan’s leading luggage manufacturer Ace – a specialist in suitcase technology for more than half a century. The case features the label’s trademark Bearon wheels® and Silent Caster® technology for quiet, smooth rolling and its rounded exterior, adorned in Monocle’s exclusive stylish olive hue, provides impact resistance. Complete with a TSA-approved lock and a luggage tag from Japan’s Brooklyn Museum, this suitcase is a reliable companion for both long-haul adventures and quick getaways. Buy yours here.

Itching for bigger ideas, wiser words, better leaders? Monocle’s new issue does the trick: flick open our pages for a refreshing sojourn to Paris’s bookshops, an insight into Johannesburg’s hard-nosed urbanism and a sit-down with the creative director who turned Bally’s fortunes around. Plus: step into the Catalan neighbourhood on the up, hear from screenwriters, diplomats and chef-patrons on the meaning of home, and how the Finns are preparing for uncertain times ahead. There’s colour, drama and a commitment to a sharper future – Monocle’s November issue is here. Pick up a copy of our latest issue today.

In Monocle’s latest publication, France: The Monocle Handbook, you’ll discover our most cherished Gallic spots. We tour the country, from Marseille to Montpellier, Biarritz to Brittany, stopping by the best bistros, elegant ateliers and storied hotels to find out what makes this refined nation the world’s most visited. Plus, if you’re looking to stay a little longer, this handbook also highlights the perfect neighbourhood for your new home, and introduces you to the plucky entrepreneurs who have already made the move. Pick up a copy today and rediscover this remarkable and varied country.

Currently serving 250,000 drinks a day, Tao Bin has become a staple in Thai malls, hospitals and offices since the brand launched in 2021. The machines boast freshly ground coffee, fizzy lemonades, protein shakes and more. Monocle Films travelled to Bangkok to see them in action.