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.