Shinichi Ito
Quality of Life Survey: Metropolis now
You want a city that’s well run, delivers on life’s essentials and is fun too? This is our ranking of the top 25 in the world.
Choice cuts
Take your pick from fresh labels, cutting-edge pieces and inspirational designers that we’ve selected to usher in the new autumn/winter 2017 season.
How Tsutumo Abe built a dream, uncompromising residence to last a lifetime
The house that Japanese architect Tsutomu Abe built for himself 42 years ago says as much about his thoughtful design process as it does about his humble character.
Japanese bars
Pull up a pew to discover classic Japanese bars with soothing lighting, knowledgeable and immaculately turned-out bar staff and loyal clientele.
Expo 90: Movers and cocktail shakers
Classic Japanese bars, with their soothing lighting, knowledgeable staff and loyal clientele, have remained blissfully resistant to change. What are you having?
Expo 86: ‘Polityka’
A rural retreat set up for the staff of a Polish news magazine combines the relaxed vibe of a holiday home with the quiet of a writer's bolthole.
Expo 86: Smiles
Converted from the holiday hangout of its CEO, this bucolic sanctuary for Tokyo firm Smiles offers a chance for staff to enjoy the best in modern Japanese living.
Expo 86: Polizia di Stato
A former baronial castle in South Tyrol offers an arresting getaway for both serving and retired officers in the Italian police force.
Art house scene
A Japanese couple’s search for a home led to a love of traditional living and local architecture. They also found that, in their cultured town, older buildings are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Final check out
News that Tokyo’s iconic 1960s Hotel Okura is to be reconstructed has been met with outrage. While Tokyo's changing skyline is what makes it special, such demolitions threaten its architectural history.
