japan
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Mountain high
Music festivals are big business in Japan, but the one that started the boom is still the best: Fuji Rock. We head to the countryside to meet the world’s best-behaved music freaks.
4. Tokyo
Integrated transport, breathtaking technology, great service and the best bars make this our top big city.
Asia
Japan's courtroom junkies and China takes a hike to save the planet (and its reputation).
The Inn Crowd
Japan’s simple, pared-down ryokan are setting new standards in service and design. One remodelled inn by architect Kengo Kuma introduces a western audience to the pleasures of the traditional Japanese inn.
Feeling flush
Japan's beloved Washlet turns 90-year-old TOTO into a global brand with fresh ambitions, as the toilet maker sets its sights on conquering Europe's plumbing conservatism.
World spokesmen
Across the Nippon-Nordic alliance, a clutch of companies are producing the world's highest quality two-wheelers. Monocle profiles five of the finest bike-makers, from Sweden to Japan.
Turning rapines
Verbal, aka Ryu Yong Gi, is one half of m-flo, one of Japan’s biggest hip-hop acts. He and partner Taku Takahashi have been working on their “m-flo loves…” collaborations.
