Japan is at a momentous crossroads. Despite the tragedy that has engulfed the nation, now is a time for it to embrace large-scale change as it rebuilds. And this means playing the international market and realising its full arts and business potential.

Al Jazeera has become the must-watch news channel for the unrest in the Middle East. But it is also a potent soft power weapon that the channel’s owner, the Emir of Qatar, is happy to wield. Monocle travels to the headquarters in Doha.

With many of Japan’s businesses cruelly flattened, the rebuilding process must begin, but with energy in short supply and the economy having suffered a huge blow, that’s a big challenge. Monocle looks at 10 badly hit sectors.

Following the March earthquake and tsunami, NHK, Japan’s public broadcaster, provided the footage that filled the world’s TV screens. Monocle visits the studios to find out what happened when the disaster drill became real.

Setting up shop on your own after three decades at a leading engineering firm is a huge leap of faith. But for Cecil Balmond, who runs a nascent design company with his daughter, it seemed like the logical step.

The BaselWorld watch fair is ticking over nicely. With watchmakers posting healthy profits, everything from jewel-encrusted timepieces to golden age classics are on display. And the trade chatter? Chinese and Brazilian markets.

An association of housing manufacturers and builders is providing prefabricated homes for people in the areas worst hit by Japan’s tsunami and earthquake. Monocle visits Rikuzen-Takata, where over a third of the town needs shelter.

Brankica Stankovic presents Serbia’s hard-hitting investigative TV show ‘Insajder’ (Insider). In Serbia, where political corruption has gone unpunished and the media shies away from controversy, she represents a fresh voice. But at a cost.

The Prince of Monaco's motorcade, the UK's looming referendum and an upset over the "Made in Italy" tag.

China finds itself left behind in the race to develop Mongolian resources, but its home-grown film industry will get to double in size.

As Japan starts to rebuild following the events of March, the management of the crisis and its aftermath has revealed deep-seated problems within the Japanese political system. The country boasts a long list of dysfunctional post-war leaders – and a highly nepotistic system.

Perth's drive to compete with Australian's east coast cities and a flag furore in New Caledonia.

A report on Canada's upcoming election, the referendum in Ecuador and the new high-speed internet connection between Cuba and Venezuela.

Our column from Pretoria looks at how South Africa is manoeuvering itself into a world-power position. Plus elections in Seychelles, educating ultra-orthodox children in Israel and demanding change in Lebanon.

MONOCLE interviews the commander of the Norwegian Coast Guard and reports on military deals in Afganistan and Australia.

We meet José Luís Robaína García, Cuba's ambassador to New Zealand, for the first on our new series on diplomacy. We also look at the "diplomatic pouch", that slightly quaint method of shipping secret documents.

An indian energy start-up, an African hotel group and a Turkish taxi designer, plus other companies making waves this month.

A round of the best books, films and music.

A gallery in Istanbul, a radio for rock star and a Q&A with New-York based art collector Henry Buhl.

Collaborations, new lines, designers and retailers.

Cocaine consumption in the US is responsible for much of the violence that takes place in its ‘backyard’. But if demand were to suddenly plummet, would the criminal gangs and middlemen simply find another racket?

As Nokia takes part of its software development abroad, a new generation of Finnish entrepreneurs is waiting to fill the gap – as long as they get the chance.

Pizza has long been heralded as a cheap, all-American staple. But delegates at Las Vegas’s International Pizza Expo were also witness to a booming artisanal pizza trend – and some dough tossers to boot.

Tainted by its association with Nazi Germany’s gold looters, perhaps, but the Swiss franc remains one of the world’s most popular investor currencies. And, rather like a reliable relative, it’s proved remarkably steady during recent global economic woes.

Andrew Cogan, CEO of design firm Knoll, has made some hard decisions (letting a fifth of his staff go) while building a loyal team. His management style sees him choosing face-to-face over Skype and Jay-Z over management tomes.

He has been named as one of the most influential men in London, but gallery owner Harry Blain believes his success relies on the trust he has built up with some of the world’s most acclaimed contemporary artists. We catch him between art fairs.

Physical book sales may be declining, but the graphic novel sector is booming. London-based publisher SelfMadeHero is reaping the rewards of taking on the market and it’s not afraid to shake up tradition along the way. Manga-style Shakespeare anyone?

Monocle pulls back the tablecloth at our favourite brasserie for a flash of heel, a hint of calf and a couple of handsome ankles and some good brogues, wedges and loafers.

Wooden games, fine chocolate, olive oil and extra-slim soap bars are on the Monocle shopping list this month

Avant-garde dining in an Athens art gallery, designer apartments in the Bavarian mountains, whale-sighting off the unspoilt Tasmanian coast – explorations to savour in this month’s Monocle travel round-up.

PenAir was set up by a teenager as a lifeline for Alaska’s more remote communities. Today, it is the region’s second-largest commuter airline.

From the perfect Martini to the best nibbles, plus something to read while sipping your sundowner, the Monocle drinks trolley is well stocked and ready for cocktail hour.

The Lisbon neighbourhood of Lapa retains much of its traditional charm, making it feel more like a quiet village than part of Portugal’s sprawling capital. Peppered with cafés and small shops, it’s far enough from the centre to escape the noise and near enough to be able to walk there.

Monocle samples the Belgian city’s top food and drink haunts with a renowned local wine expert.

Pulitzer-winning photographer Jahangir Razmi wants his Last Meal surrounded by friends, family and neighbours, tucking into a delicately prepared Shandiz kebab. No bother if it takes a while to arrive – good things come to those who wait.

Japan is full of master craftsmen, traditional stage artists and virtuoso musicians. But it’s only the elite – and those who have been plying their trade for decades – that is rewarded with the accolade of “living national treasure”. Japan’s Living National Treasures represent the qualities of tradition and resilience that, despite the recent tragedies, will help the country move forward. Gatekeepers of artistic and artisanal trades, they are individuals who have come to represent entire institutions through their passion and dedication. Monocle meets 11 of them.

The trouble with editing an issue featuring a design directory is that it immediately forces you to challenge and rethink most things in your daily routine, says Tyler Brûlé.