japan
Page 28
Asia
The no-holds-barred motorcade of the Sultan of Brunei, the debate over "real" Japanese food and the Italy-Korea scientific partnership celebrates its 30th birthday.
Simply the best
Cucina Hirata restaurant in Tokyo doesn’t over-think Italian cuisine’s main strengths: quality, simplicity and freshness.
Acquired tastes
Inspired by a creative affinity for Italy, a band of Japanese craftsmen have set up shop there. Monocle speaks to a shoemaker, glass artist and tailor about embracing their foreign muse's traditions.
Taking care
Japan's childcare shortage has affected working mothers, a problem acute in Yokohama. Monocle speaks to mayor Fumiko Hayashi, who has made it her mission to solve the city's crisis.
Perfect host
Norikazu Suzuki wants his restaurant to be home to good food and good times.
Defence
We talk to the head of the Israeli Defense Force about women, religion and recruitment and look at China and Japan's move to streamline their military decision-making.
Asia
Japan's agenda for 2014, why New Taipei's mayor could be the saviour of Taiwan's ruling party and how Ho Chi Minh City is reaching for the skies.
Asia
"Resource diplomacy" in Japan, getting Mao for your money in China and why Singapore is looking north.
Diplomacy
We meet Indonesia's ambassador to Japan, report on Israel's new "digital embassy" and Seoul embarks on a soft-power offensive.
School of thought
Inspired touches of service separate good from great and make bricks-and-mortar retail sing. From suit presses to gift wrapping, Monocle attends to the best in retail hospitality and finds lessons in courtesy.
