Skip to main content
Currently being edited in London

Daily inbox intelligence from Monocle

japan

Page 17

Culture

Little by little

In this CGI era when craft means corralling pixels, we visit a traditional animation studio in Tokyo to marvel at mastering the miniature among models and drying paint.

  • Issue #110
  • 7 min read
Little by little
Business

Berth control

On Japan's Seto Inland Sea, one company is using top architects to create a truly bespoke cruise experience with just 19 rooms, a sharp contrast to the industry's mega-ships.

  • The Forecast #8
  • 12 min read
Berth control
Design

A little respect

Japan’s penchant for knocking down old buildings is taking a back seat in one prefecture, where the modernist architecture could, with the right exposure, help boost tourism.

  • The Forecast #8
  • 7 min read
A little respect
Fashion

Style council

Jamie Waters reporting on future fashion. The next trend can be as much about political fluctuations as new music. We talk to industry leaders on the next big things.

  • The Forecast #8
  • 6 min read
Style council
Retail

Christmas shopping in Kyoto

Forget big-box shops or available-anywhere finds. Japan’s former capital is a haven for crafty shoppers and those looking for something a little different.

  • Issue #109
  • 7 min read
Interior of 45R clothing store displaying indigo-dyed garments and casual wear on wooden wall displays and clothing racks.
Urbanism

Cities

Zürich is considering artificial islands to house its growing population and there’s a global push to unearth forgotten rivers.

  • Issue #109
  • 4 min read
Curved Italian piazza lined with yellow buildings and green shutters.
Diplomacy

Diplomacy

Checking in with the ambassador in Rome, why Japan is looking to Latin America and the art of the ambassadorial Christmas card.

  • Issue #109
  • 6 min read
Diplomacy
Design

Timber land

We visit the showrooms of the Hida Furniture Festival in Takayama, the seat of Japan’s woodworking industry.

  • Issue #108
  • 9 min read
Timber land
Retail

Moving targets

The man who grew United Arrows into a Japanese fashion powerhouse is now reviving the country’s artisanal clothing culture. Osamu Shigematsu talks career choices, retail challenges and recrafting the kimono.

  • Issue #108
  • 9 min read
Osamu Shigematsu, United Arrows' honorary chairman, waving in an office corridor while holding a crocodile-skin bag.

Monocle Cart

You currently have no items in your cart.
  • Subtotal:
  • Discount:
  • Shipping:
  • Total:
Checkout

Shipping will be calculated at checkout.

Please note: Orders to the United States may experience delays beyond the estimated-delivery window due to customs processing. Please refer to our FAQs for information on import duties and regulations.

All orders placed outside of the EU that exceed €1,000 in value require customs documentation. Please allow up to two additional business days for these orders to be dispatched.

Not ready to checkout? Continue Shopping