A few subtle changes to the metrics, a handful of grand projects coming to fruition and a sprinkling of ambitious City Halls – this year’s Quality of Life Survey has seen some big changes. For the first time there are three Japanese cities in the top 10, with Tokyo – giddy at the prospect of the 2020 Olympics – rising to number two. Vancouver is our highest-ranked city in the Americas. Berlin is the highest riser, while Stockholm returns to the top five. Some big cities continue to miss the cut, for obvious reasons. Last year there were 414 murders in Chicago (for comparison, in Copenhagen there was one). London may have nightlife and culture but house prices are out of control and the police can’t always be trusted. Düsseldorf, San Francisco and Honolulu miss out this year, though that has more to do with the improvements made by others. Oslo and Lisbon return to the top 25, while Brisbane appears for the first time. Some things don’t change though and Copenhagen has won again. There’s no better person to introduce it than the woman who, as head of drama at Danish public broadcaster DR, has given the world two iconic dramas based in Denmark’s capital.

Although it was mayor Rob Ford’s controversial tenure that brought spectators to Toronto City Hall, the beauty of the modernist building shouldn’t be overlooked.

From the entrepreneurs revitalising derelict spaces with community, food and nightlife to the man who has dedicated his life to keeping cherry trees in the best of health, these are the people who are shaping the cityscapes with their imagination, skill and creativity.

Dancing can lead to prostitution, according to a 1948 Japanese law. Though the police largely ignored said law for years, they have recently started raiding nightclubs and prosecuting owners who don’t have a licence, turning dance floors into dead zones.

A plethora of new statues, museums and government buildings is appearing across the Republic of Macedonia’s capital in a bid to imbue it with a sense of civic pride – but not everyone is persuaded by the less than subtle approach.

Fire, police and ambulance services are essential components of any well-run city. Monocle joins teams in Helsinki, Hong Kong and Ballarat in Australia to see how three of the best emergency services are keeping their cities safe.

Founded on the ideas of people, planet and profit, Ecotrust has supported civic progress and regeneration in Portland and beyond for more than 20 years. Monocle meets the man behind the mission: Spencer Beebe.

Whether it’s Michelin-starred vegetables from Japan or seaweed-based skincare in the UK, rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty opens up a world of business opportunities with which city life just can’t compare.

The effects of globalisation continue to be felt – even in hidden gems such as Onomichi. But five local businessmen have joined forces to protect the city’s future by reviving its industry and stimulating tourism.

Times don’t have to be tough for the print industry: these three local media outlets prove that success is attainable when you have a strong, high-quality brand.

There are cinemas that do something different; whether it’s inventive programming, Q&As with directors or social spaces where people can share their passion, they offer an antidote to the mundane multiplex. Here are the best from around the world.

The clean, practical buildings left behind by the US military occupation of Okinawa in Japan are today influencing a new style of residence there: the Okinawa Standard.

It’s often the little things that leave a lasting impression when visiting a new city. From flickering neon lights in Portugal to beautifully painted manholes in Japan, Monocle picks out 10 unique and memorable city details.

News that Tokyo’s iconic 1960s Hotel Okura is to be reconstructed has been met with outrage from admirers of its unique design. While Tokyo’s changing skyline is what makes it special, demolitions like this threaten its architectural history.

Mercado do Bolhão, Porto’s much-loved open-air food market, celebrates its centenary this year – a feat that is largely down to its charismatic stallholders.

Leipzig's stocks rises to rival Berlin, Vienna gets into the (walking) zone and Moscow moves to tackle traffic.

The transformation of Mandalay, how the Philippines plans to tackle deforestation and Hong Kong ponders its landfill problem.

The start-up possibilities of Amman and where South Africa's high-speed rail network extension could lead.

Taking stock of a rebuilt Christchurch after the 2011 earthquake — and Auckland acts on housing.

Drilling down into miners' accommodation, the Band-Aid gets brought into the 21st century and clean air becomes big business in China.

Bangkok has been rife with demonstrations and rebellion for months. But even after a coup the city’s businesses push on. Monocle reports from the concourse of the region’s most daring retail venture to date.

Find some locals to design a modern art gallery, find lots more locals to frequent it and suddenly find yourself with an international success: welcome to Goma.

Creative enterprises and unique collaborations are flourishing in Auckland thanks to the dramatic renovation of a collection of 1960s city-council workshops.

Cities work when they let people meet, hang out and sit; they are less about the buildings than the bits in between. Monocle cracks open a chilled beer and embarks on a global tour to enjoy the best outdoor spaces for sunshine and salutations.

Ricardo Bofill’s utopian vision for social living found form in the cubist heights and halls of Walden 7. Monocle discovers a community-minded building that turned science fiction into harmonious fact.

Whether it’s the wide, tree-lined streets of Songshan in Taipei, the quiet squares and bustling coffee shops of London’s Bloomsbury or the sunny Latin American hot spot of Barrio Italia in Santiago, step back from the relentless roar of the city to enjoy a tour of three global neighbourhoods offering an excellent quality of life.

Cascais, Hayama, Aegina, Sai Kung and Outer Sunset: five commuter towns with distinct personalities.

Cascais, Hayama, Aegina, Sai Kung and Outer Sunset: five commuter towns with distinct personalities.

Cascais, Hayama, Aegina, Sai Kung and Outer Sunset: five commuter towns with distinct personalities.

Cascais, Hayama, Aegina, Sai Kung and Outer Sunset: five commuter towns with distinct personalities.

Cascais, Hayama, Aegina, Sai Kung and Outer Sunset: five commuter towns with distinct personalities.

Editor in chief Tyler Brûlé isn’t adverse to a spot of goat herding if he has a chilled glass of Forst beer to hand – and is delighted to introduce you to our South Tyrol-themed issue.