Teutonic lights

When we think about 21st-century Europe, we think about Germany. But our picture of the character and global outlook of the country can often be shaped by outdated notions. Here, Monocle crosses the real Germany and discovers the people who are shaping its future.
Latin Liebe

The streets are immaculate, the inhabitants are blonde and the local beer is exceptional. Welcome to Brazil’s ‘little Germany’.
Harbour dreams

The city of Kaohsiung in southern Taiwan is considerably more relaxed than the capital Taipei. But behind city hall doors, a formidable team is seeing through some ambitious plans.
Looks good on paper

Who puts the lead in your pencil? Probably a German firm with a history of making fine writing instruments. And it’s a past these players want to highlight as they do battle with those pesky digital gadgets. Meet the stars of the stationery cupboard.
All in it together

As companies around the world collapse into administration it would seem that the frenzied pursuit of profit in these straitened times can have an unfortunate side effect: bankruptcy. But the global resurgence of co-operatives points to a beguiling alternative: put employees and customers first and the rest will follow. Nervous CEOs should read on.
Clean break

This Tennessee city used to be known for its smog and stench. However, Chattanooga has cleaned up its act, establishing itself as an emerging technology hub and the home of Volkswagen’s only US factory. How did that happen?
Harmony restored

Built in the 1930s as a Third-Reich propaganda machine, Munich’s Haus der Kunst has since evolved to become one of Germany’s most prestigious and global-minded contemporary-art venues.
Clearing the air

Deutsche Welle broadcasts TV and radio and in 30 languages worldwide. Established in 1953, today the public broadcaster is more important than ever – as a tool for public diplomacy.
The outsiders

Munich’s reputation rests largely on history, luxury and beer. But for 2013, the Bavarian city is setting a new focus, on public art. It has invited an outside force – artist duo Elmgreen + Dragset – to playfully carry out a most serious mission.
Building sights

BAU is the world’s largest fair for the construction and architecture industries while also being a dream getaway for home handymen. From grand designs to garden sheds, Monocle visits the design world’s most no-nonsense gathering.
In good faith

A new mosque in the heart of Köln is set to be the largest in Germany, inviting not only the city’s Muslim community but also a renewed sense of religious openness and the odd architecture enthusiast too.
The hand made tale

In a globalised market flooded with faux-artisan branding, real craftsmen are endangered. But in Kyoto, where tradition rules, a new initiative is refreshing generations-old techniques to bring Japanese craft to a worldwide audience.
Rebuilding process

Since Anders Behring Breivik’s atrocious attack in 2011, Utøya has rarely been out of the news. Here, finally, a positive story emerges from the tragedy: meet the Norwegian architectural firm redesigning the island for a hopeful future.
Seasonal change

The biannual Pitti Uomo menswear show is a highlight of the fashion calendar but its host country isn’t the force it used to be. That necessitates an unfamiliar focus on expansion into foreign markets – and Japan is first in line.
The best of times

Each year there are two must-attend watch fairs in Switzerland. The vast Baselworld is still some months away but at the smaller, perfectly formed SIHH the talk was of slimming and self-reliance.
Stall orders

A new food hall in an old ironworks is helping change the face of both the docklands and the city’s food scene.

Men's and womenswear / Tokyo

Counter culture

A quick bite on your own in one of Tokyo’s cafés and restaurants is a pure, indulgent pleasure, especially when you’re adding to the ambience with a sharp-looking outfit.

Cardigan, scarf and shoes by Ermenegildo Zegna, shirt and trousers by Engineered Garments, glasses by Savile Row, wallet by J&M Davidson**For a post-work treat:** Avocado cheese hamburger at Golden Brown in Nakameguro

Jacket by United Arrows, cardigan by Drumohr for Beams, shirt by Polo Ralph Lauren, trousers by G.T.A for Beams, tie by Engineered Garments, shoes by Nepenthes, glasses and socks by New and Lingwood **For morning-after breakfast:** Hamburger at Golden Brown in Nakameguro

Jacket by Effe Beams, dress by Gallego Desportes for Bshop, shorts by Charli London for United Arrows, glasses by Kame Man Nen for Blinc Aoyama, necklace by Carla Perretti for United Arrows, shoes by Paraboot**For brunch:** Homemade bread & soup at Alaska in Nakameguro

Jacket by Moncler, dress by Lapis Luce, necklace by Clef Cle for Beams, shoes by Céline for United Arrows**For lunch:** Orecchiette pasta with sausage and broccoli at Ivy Place in Daikanyama

Jacket by Lardini for Strasburgo, jumper by Gray for Beams, shirt by G-Star Raw, trousers by Incotex for United Arrows, glasses by Savile Row, shoes by Paraboot**For lunch:** Salt-grilled mackeral set meal at Sue Zen in Daikanyama

Jacket by Barbour, cardigan by Drumohr for Beams, shirt by Ermenegildo Zegna, trousers by Bottega Veneta, tie by Polo Ralph Lauren**For lunch:** Hot dog at Ginza Brazil in Asakusa

Jacket and scarf by Louis Vuitton, shirt by Boss, trousers by Woolrich, shoes by Tricker’s, socks by New and Lingwood**For lunch:** Spaghetti with tomato sauce, goats cheese and lemon peel at Bulgari Il Café in Omotesando

Top by Marni, shorts by United Arrows, necklace by Ca&Lou for United Arrows, wallet by Pierre Hardy, bag by Caterina Bertini for Beams**For lunch:** Hot Soba Noodle with Edible Wild Plant at Yabu Chu in Shibamata

Polo shirt by Bottega Veneta, trousers by Charli London for United Arrows, purse by Marni Summer Edition**For a post-work treat:** Cold soba noodles with tempura at Yabu Chu in Shibamata

Dress by Sofie D’Hoore for Bshop, jumper by Le Tricoteur for Bshop, wallet by Bottega Veneta**For lunch:** Hakozen Teishoku at Yuwaeru Shouka in Kuramae

Tank-top by Polo Ralph Lauren, shirt by Errico Formicola for United Arrows, trousers by Comme des Garçons Homme**For lunch:** Hakozen Teishoku at Yuwaeru Shouka in Kuramae

Coat by Gucci, shirt by Boss, trousers by Gbs for United Arrows, socks by Magon for High! Standard, shoes by Clarks**For dinner:** Ga-prao rice at Nui. in Kuramae

Dress and necklace by Prada, shoes by Needles**For dinner:**Margherita pizza at Nui. in Kuramae

Grooming: Kenichi Yaguchi

Models: Taisuke Nakamuro, Hana Sawamura, Hisayoshi Kakae, Seima Matsuzaka, Hana Ataka, Takuya Suzuki, Youki

Producer: Shigeru Nakagawa

Boring is banished

Teutonic lights

Latin Liebe

Harbour dreams

Looks good on paper

All in it together

Clean break

Harmony restored

Clearing the air

The outsiders

Building sights

In good faith

The hand made tale

Rebuilding process

Seasonal change

The best of times

Stall orders

Sweetness and might

Europe briefing

Americas briefing

Asia briefing

Africa/Middle East briefing

Oceania briefing

Defence briefing

Diplomacy briefing

Business briefing

Culture briefing

Media briefing

Art market briefing

Design & architecture briefing

Fashion briefing

Food briefing

The ice man

Counter culture

Inventory no. 61

Monocle travel guide

Wood for good

Collingwood

Simply does it

Klaus Biesenbach

Expo 61: Mighty Mittelstand

Observation

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