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Stride of place: Four Tokyo shoe brands to add to your wardrobe
When it comes to high-quality footwear, the Japanese capital is striding ahead of competition. From made-to-order mules to inventive tatami-soled loafers, here are shoes worth stepping into.
How Japan’s schools teach life lessons beyond the classroom
There’s far more to Japanese schools than rote learning and cramming. Our Tokyo bureau chief explores the country’s best-in-class approaches to moulding responsible citizens.
Chef Shinichiro Harakawa models the versatile menswear that will fill your wardrobe this autumn
It’s time to stock up on transitional clothing that will make the most of both indoors and out. Take sartorial inspiration from fêted chef and restaurateur Shinichiro Harakawa in Nagasaki prefecture.
New approaches, old foundations: How Kyoto is establishing a fresh creative voice
Kyoto is undergoing a renaissance, as new fashion brands, restaurants, galleries and hotels open their doors. We meet the people weaving history and innovation into a new vision of the city’s future.
How Japan’s fashion brands are designing clothes for longer, hotter summers
Japanese fashion brands are leading the way when it comes to developing fabrics designed to beat the heat. With summer temperatures intensifying, their solutions can’t come quick enough.
Japan’s beloved FamilyMart reimagines the convenience store at its new Tokyo flagship
“Konbini” are ubiquitous in Japan but FamilyMart’s next-generation concept, Famima Park Azabudai, directed by Nigo, transforms the everyday retail category into a bold queue-worthy destination.
How relaxing are Japan’s electric baths? The answer might shock you
Hidden among Japan’s steaming bathhouses is a tradition that has bathers quite literally buzzing. Despite what you think about combining water with electricity, the “denkiburo” proves that some rules are made to be broken.
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.
