For the best experience with monocle.com, please ensure that your browser has Javascript enabled.

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.

/

F

Men’s & womenswear / Global

Cold comfort

Offset those winter blues, greens and browns with flourishes of yellow and red – and layer up against the chill with oversized coats and snug knits.

Photography: Masanori Akao

Coat and trousers by Aton, jumper by Beauty & Youth United Arrows, shirt by Beams, socks by Muji, shoes by Church’s

Jacket by OrSlow x Fennica from Beams Japan, jumper by Norse Projects, long-sleeve t-shirt by Tomorrowland, trousers by Buzz Rickson’s x Fennica from Beams Japan, socks by Trunk by Tabio from Trunk Labs, socks by JM Weston, earrings, bangle and ring by Georg Jensen, bracelet by Hermès

Jumper by Batoner from Beams House Marunouchi, trousers by Sunspel, boots by Ludwig Reiter

Down coat by Herno

Bag by Loewe William de Morgan Capsule Collection

Jumper by Sunspel, beanie by Mature Ha, watch by Chanel

Coat by Graphpaper, jumper by Cinoh, trousers by Beauty & Youth United Arrows, socks by Uniqlo, trainers by New Balance, scarf by Begg & Co

Coat by Uniqlo U, jacket by Kidur, rollneck jumper by Norse Projects, trousers by Maison Kitsuné, socks by Sunspel, shoes by Santoni, bag by Scye

Jacket by Uru, down vest by Uniqlo, trousers by Beauty & Youth United Arrows, socks by Muji, trainers by Emporio Armani, scarf by Johnstons

Jacket by Yoke, jumper by Sunspel, glasses by Eyevan

Jumper by Bally, bandana by Visvim, earrings by Shihara

Clockwise from top left): trainers by MoonStar, sandals by Birkenstock, sandals by Suicoke, shoes by MoonStar x Fennica from Beams Japan, socks by Rototo

Coat by Kassl Editions, trousers by Sofie D’Hoore, socks by Trunk by Tabio from Trunk Labs, shoes by Ludwig Reiter, bag by Chacoli x Hyke

Jacket by Union Launch, highneck jumper by Molli, jeans by Acne Studios, bracelet by Tiffany & Co

Coat by Auralee, jacket, jeans and socks by Prada, boots by Church’s, earrings by Georg Jensen

Coat by Prada, shirt and scarf by Heugn, trousers by Cellar Door

Watch by Rolex

Coat by Tod’s, rollneck jumper by Loro Piana, trousers by Scye Basics, socks by Rototo, shoes by Church’s

Styling: Shun Katakai & Kyoko Tamoto
Models: Juli Noguchi & Takeshi Watanabe
Hair and make-up: Keita Iijima (Mod’s Hair)

/

sign in to monocle

new to monocle?

Subscriptions start from £120.

Phone

+44 (0) 20 7725 4349
(view hours)

Email

customerservice@monocle.com

Frequently asked questions

Terms and conditions

Loading...

/

15

15

Live

Monocle Radio

00:0001:00

The Continental Shift