Editor’s Letter
Tyler Brûlé introduces our Japan special – and chalks up essential dates for your festive diary.The opener
We report from an idiosyncratic nation that has won us over with its quirky kerbside totems, drinks-filled vending machines, mascots and of course, shower toilets.Piggy in the middle
After footage of a boar attacking a man in Fukuoka emerged, the city felt compelled to respond. Monocle’s Kenji Hall joins a patrol.Short and sharp
It started in Tokyo but 1,200 cities now host PechaKucha events, where you give brief talks governed by strict rules. Monocle’s culture editor Chiara Rimella takes the stage.My cabinet
Japan’s sure-footed team of scientists and engineers head out into the cold to monitor our atmosphere.Cosy corner
Expat baker Morihide Yoshida believes the success of his Paris patisserie reflects the common culinary bond shared by Japan and France.Soft power awards
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monocle’s Soft Power Awards. This year we’re celebrating those who are persuading the world in a subtler way.
On the move
We visit the Japanese diasporas that are leaving a distinct mark on the world stage.Follow the bear
Fluffy, furry mascots are everywhere in Japan but Kumamon has captured the nation’s imagination like no other. We explore his ‘very’ soft-power potential.
Tipping point
In Japan, communism is not a dirty word. A top-selling newspaper and donation at the municipal level herald a decisive moment for this leftist, pacifist party.Japanese lessons
Impeccable service, responsible citizenship and warm hospitality are just some of the practices that make society tick in Japan. Here are 10 things the country can teach the world.High flyer
Japan is getting ready to take to the skies as Mitsubishi finishes off its first airplane: the slick and efficient SpaceJet M90.Root cause
One man is pushing for a rural return with a business-minded mix of hospitality and agricultural innovation.Showing their colours
Tokyo’s contemporary-art scene (and collector base) is growing, thanks in part to a group of energetic gallerists with a passion for their country’s creativity. We put four of them – and their key artists – in the frame.Tokyo tea party
The world of J-pop is meticulously controlled but latest sensation Chai are embracing a DIY spirit and dancing to their own beat.Impressive mileage
The diminutive but hardy Suzuki Jimny, a nippy SUV, has maintained cult status for years. We find out what’s driving the owners’ obsession.Put it down on paper
Digital developments have transformed graphic design but Tokyo’s ‘Idea’ magazine remains a global champion of print.The real deal
The world’s best timber is forged in northern Japan’s freezing winters. Furniture maker Time & Style does it justice; its mission is to keep the craft alive.On its game?
As preparations for the Tokyo Olympics enter the home straight, we assess whether the city has the infrastructure in place to deliver a world-class tournament.Bowled over
Kagawa is a prefecture so enamoured with Sanuki udon noodles that the delicacy is both tourist attraction and TV star. We tuck in.Getting a taste for it
Dining out in Japan’s capital never ceases to raise the culinary bar. We’ve picked out three venues that serve to highlight the city’s eclectic mix.Big in Japan
Japan is known for its wealth of high-quality fashion brands but which is leading the pack? Here are three Tokyo standouts.Pack leader
The great outdoors is having a moment and Snow Peak hopes its fashionable pitch can turn this into a movement.Twelve stops for Christmas
Pondering where to pick up gifts for your loved ones this year? Let our editors guide you with their pick of the best shops, emporiums and design stores on the most inviting shopping streets around the globe.
Politics Briefing
Future leaders of Japan, the Lisbon Treaty anniversary and how spooks are coming out of the shadows.Diplomacy Briefing
Japanese soft power in Washington, a Lithuanian war hero and Australia's soft power revival.Defence Briefing
Island disputes troubling Japan and the US nuclear command finally retires its floppy disks.Cities Briefing
Finding quality of life in Japan, Bogotá gets a metro and a suburb of Vancouver finally has a city centre.Food & Drink Briefing
Must-visit venues, including an Italian-Japanese restaurant in east London, a canny vineyard close to Tokyo and a kitchen with French-Japanese flair in New York.
With the world’s attention set to be fixated on the Far East during Olympic year, we’re celebrating all things Japan. Cover star Kumamon – the big, furry and fun mascot of Kumamoto prefecture – fires the starting gun but there’s plenty more, from J-pop’s freshest faces to devotees of the Suzuki Jimny. Elsewhere we lavish praise of Japan’s unique approach to craftsmanship and clothes-making, find out why the country’s communist party endures and go in search of the best – and biggest – Sanuki udon noodles. Plus: a Christmas gift guide and our inaugural Soft Power Awards.
Issue 129
December 2019/January 2020
At the front
Editor’s Letter
Tyler Brûlé introduces our Japan special – and chalks up essential dates for your festive diary.The opener
We report from an idiosyncratic nation that has won us over with its quirky kerbside totems, drinks-filled vending machines, mascots and of course, shower toilets.Piggy in the middle
After footage of a boar attacking a man in Fukuoka emerged, the city felt compelled to respond. Monocle’s Kenji Hall joins a patrol.Short and sharp
It started in Tokyo but 1,200 cities now host PechaKucha events, where you give brief talks governed by strict rules. Monocle’s culture editor Chiara Rimella takes the stage.My cabinet
Japan’s sure-footed team of scientists and engineers head out into the cold to monitor our atmosphere.Cosy corner
Expat baker Morihide Yoshida believes the success of his Paris patisserie reflects the common culinary bond shared by Japan and France.Soft power awards
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monocle’s Soft Power Awards. This year we’re celebrating those who are persuading the world in a subtler way.
Affairs
Report
Tipping point
In Japan, communism is not a dirty word. A top-selling newspaper and donation at the municipal level herald a decisive moment for this leftist, pacifist party.Japanese lessons
Impeccable service, responsible citizenship and warm hospitality are just some of the practices that make society tick in Japan. Here are 10 things the country can teach the world.High flyer
Japan is getting ready to take to the skies as Mitsubishi finishes off its first airplane: the slick and efficient SpaceJet M90.Root cause
One man is pushing for a rural return with a business-minded mix of hospitality and agricultural innovation.Showing their colours
Tokyo’s contemporary-art scene (and collector base) is growing, thanks in part to a group of energetic gallerists with a passion for their country’s creativity. We put four of them – and their key artists – in the frame.Tokyo tea party
The world of J-pop is meticulously controlled but latest sensation Chai are embracing a DIY spirit and dancing to their own beat.Impressive mileage
The diminutive but hardy Suzuki Jimny, a nippy SUV, has maintained cult status for years. We find out what’s driving the owners’ obsession.Put it down on paper
Digital developments have transformed graphic design but Tokyo’s ‘Idea’ magazine remains a global champion of print.The real deal
The world’s best timber is forged in northern Japan’s freezing winters. Furniture maker Time & Style does it justice; its mission is to keep the craft alive.On its game?
As preparations for the Tokyo Olympics enter the home straight, we assess whether the city has the infrastructure in place to deliver a world-class tournament.Bowled over
Kagawa is a prefecture so enamoured with Sanuki udon noodles that the delicacy is both tourist attraction and TV star. We tuck in.Getting a taste for it
Dining out in Japan’s capital never ceases to raise the culinary bar. We’ve picked out three venues that serve to highlight the city’s eclectic mix.Big in Japan
Japan is known for its wealth of high-quality fashion brands but which is leading the pack? Here are three Tokyo standouts.Pack leader
The great outdoors is having a moment and Snow Peak hopes its fashionable pitch can turn this into a movement.Twelve stops for Christmas
Pondering where to pick up gifts for your loved ones this year? Let our editors guide you with their pick of the best shops, emporiums and design stores on the most inviting shopping streets around the globe.
Briefing
Politics Briefing
Future leaders of Japan, the Lisbon Treaty anniversary and how spooks are coming out of the shadows.Diplomacy Briefing
Japanese soft power in Washington, a Lithuanian war hero and Australia's soft power revival.Defence Briefing
Island disputes troubling Japan and the US nuclear command finally retires its floppy disks.Cities Briefing
Finding quality of life in Japan, Bogotá gets a metro and a suburb of Vancouver finally has a city centre.Food & Drink Briefing
Must-visit venues, including an Italian-Japanese restaurant in east London, a canny vineyard close to Tokyo and a kitchen with French-Japanese flair in New York.
10 steps to success
Business
Culture
Other
Essays
Shoot
Expo
