japan
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Acting funny
Big-league comedian and film director Takeshi “Beat” Kitano emerged from working-class roots to fame with his TV programmes and gangster films. This year, he has published his autobiography.
Going to Zozotown
Zozotown has over two million visitors to its virtual boulevard of shops, populated by the best international fashion brands. Monocle visits the firm’s HQ to witness the future of e-commerce.
Art market
Bonhams, one of the world’s oldest art auction houses, has opened its doors in Japan with the launch of a new Tokyo office. Colin Sheaf, chairman of Bonhams Asia, explains why.
Forest wisdom
Sankara Hotel & Spa is a new eco-friendly island hideaway off the coast of Kyushu, surrounded by ancient forests. It offers detached villas with a blend of Balinese design and Japanese hospitality.
Sugar rush
Started in 1983, Royce' is one of Japan’s most beloved chocolatiers. In a sweet market all about tiny details, it has charmed its way around Asia and now has its sights on Europe.
Walk this way
Now that spring’s in the air again it’s time to lighten up with crisp cotton shirts, jackets and cardigans for a stroll around Tokyo’s back streets.
Dream a little dream
In the second of our series on niche airlines, we take a trip on one of two planes – one red, one blue – run by the tiny, but ambitious, Fuji Dream Airlines.
Braking the mould
Mitsuoka makes models based on classic cars, handmade in its Toyama workshop. This unique approach gives it an edge in an industry that is lifting itself out of the doldrums.
Master Shibatayama
Former Grand Champion sumo wrestler Master Shibatayama chooses a traditional Japanese restaurant in Shinjuku for his Last Meal. He runs a sumo school and is the author of several books on regional sweets.
