No sailing royals, an antipathy to ostentation and an unwillingness to take holidays has left Japan’s recreational boat market in the doldrums for years. But the ‘nation of rice farmers’ is finally finding its sea legs:…
From Charlie Chaplin to General Douglas MacArthur many guests have fallen for the charms of the Hotel New Grand. We visit a Yokohama symbol of solidarity.
A shortage of childcare in Japan has contributed to the low number of working mothers, a problem particularly apparent in Yokohama. Monocle speaks to the woman who has made it her mission to change this – mayor Fumiko…
Our favourites from around the world this month include a sushi spot in London, a lovers’ retreat in Greece and a Taipei hotel full of Warhol and Dalí originals. We also profile Norwegian airline Widerøe.
Tokyo’s latest idea to increase the number of tourists from overseas is a contest to fund a few young directors who want to make short films using the Japanese capital as a backdrop. Called the Short Film & Tokyo Project…
There are several striking elements to the new Marunouchi Park Building in Tokyo, from its soaring office tower to the perfect replica of a 19th-century red brick building. But the most intriguing of all is its garden,…
Catching a train to Kyoto isn’t just part of Tokyo-based architect Jun Aoki’s weekly ritual – it’s a chance for him to reflect and a constant source of inspiration.
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.
The Foreign Ministry of Japan employs thousands to help build beneficial international relationships. And with the nation recently beginning to emerge from its post-war pacifist stance, staying friends with the right people…
From a simple concept – the roll-out and upkeep of municipal street furniture in exchange for control of the advertising – JCDecaux elevates the unnoticed essentials of urban life. Monocle discovers how it helps cities run…
In a world of bland city centres, a shop full of interesting and unusual magazines and music that’s staffed by experts is a joyful discovery. And what’s more, they make your neighbourhood special.
