japan
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How Tokyo made it to the top of Monocle’s 2026 Quality of Life Survey
Our Tokyo bureau chief tells us about daily life in the calm, clean and ambitious Japanese capital.
Japan must prioritise pragmatism with China over provocation
Tokyo’s allegiance to Washington is compromising its economic special relationship with Beijing.
Japan’s resort industry hits new heights at Nagano’s Karuizawa T-Site
The collaborative project between books giant Tsutaya and Mitsubishi Estate in the mountain resort of Karuizawa offers a template for rethinking premium rural retail and hospitality.
Culture in bloom: Three museums to visit in Tokyo this spring
The Edo-Tokyo Museum, Mon Takanawa and Nonlecture books/arts all feature exhibitions worth exploring this spring.
Minimalism but make it meticulous: Eight Japanese fashion labels to know and love
Auralee, Kaptian Sunshine, Setchu and Sans Limite are among the brands on Monocle’s shopping list.
Hoshino Resort’s OMO7 Yokohama hotel gives new life to the former city hall
A new hotel in Yokohama’s former city-hall complex makes striking use of its spacious building designed by celebrated architect Togo Murano, preserving an old-school charm rarely found in contemporary builds.
How a journalistic eye can elevate a hotel: Adrian Zecha’s approach to his new resort collaboration in rural Japan
Rural Japan’s newest “farm life” luxury resort attests to the value of a journalist’s eye for detail.
How a former Shangri-La developer capitalised on Niseko’s property boom and built his own alpine luxury development
House of Koa founder Jason Kuok shows how attention to detail created value extending beyond simple holiday estates, helping to launch Koa Niseko as a luxury experience that rises above a crowded market.
Exploring Japan’s most original retailers: Six in-person concept stores with delightful offerings
We celebrate the businesses whose imaginative concepts are re-energising Japan’s in-person retail sector, from the small football hub with an original pitch to the cookware company that’s inviting customers into its kitchen.
The commute: Step aboard Takaoka’s city tram with Mayor Yuzuru Demachi
We join the mayor of the coastal Japanese city of Takaoka, Yuzuru Demachi, on his morning tram ride to city hall, which he uses as a daily opportunity to communicate with his constituents.
