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japanese design

Page 4

Craft

Deal makers

We visit the furniture-making powerhouse in western Austria that is catching the eye of firms in search of superior craftsmanship.

  • Issue #137
  • 7 min read
Deal makers
Retail

The Monocle Shop

It's time to embrace the season. Whether you're relaxing close to home this summer or exploring distant shores, we've put together an exclusive collection of smart clothing and accessories.

  • Issue #135
  • 8 min read
The Monocle Book of Japan displayed with a cream tote bag featuring red circle design
Hospitality

Group dynamics

The expansion of a storied Kyoto building into Ace Hotel’s first Japanese venture called for a dizzying collaboration of creatives.

  • Issue #135
  • 7 min read
Group dynamics
Media

Short and sharp

It started in Tokyo but 1,200 cities now host PechaKucha events, where you give brief talks governed by strict rules. Monocle’s culture editor Chiara Rimella takes the stage.

  • Issue #129
  • 4 min read
Woman in white PechaKucha sweatshirt smiling at event venue
Architecture

On its game?

As preparations for the Tokyo Olympics enter the home straight, we assess whether the city has the infrastructure in place to deliver a world-class tournament.

  • Issue #129
  • 6 min read
A watercolour illustration of a large modern stadium surrounded by trees and a city skyline.
Craft

The real deal

The world’s best timber is forged in northern Japan’s freezing winters. Furniture maker Time & Style does it justice; its mission is to keep the craft alive.

  • Issue #129
  • 4 min read
Rolling forested hills in full autumn colour under a pale blue sky.
Design

Put it down on paper

Digital developments have transformed graphic design but Tokyo’s ‘Idea’ magazine remains a global champion of print.

  • Issue #129
  • 5 min read
A smiling young woman with a short fringe wearing a navy turtleneck and dungarees against a white background.
Transport

Impressive mileage

The diminutive but hardy Suzuki Jimny, a nippy SUV, has maintained cult status for years. We find out what’s driving the owners’ obsession.

  • Issue #129
  • 9 min read
A person driving a vintage green 4WD past a lush tree and modern brick apartment building on a quiet street.
Soft Power

Follow the bear

Fluffy, furry mascots are everywhere in Japan but Kumamon has captured the nation’s imagination like no other. We explore his ‘very’ soft-power potential.

  • Issue #129
  • 10 min read
Kumamon, the black bear mascot of Kumamoto Prefecture, stands in a fluorescent-lit office corridor lined with shelves.
Design

On the move

We visit the Japanese diasporas that are leaving a distinct mark on the world stage.

  • Issue #129
  • 7 min read
Four Japanese people in winter clothing standing outside the Arabia factory building in Helsinki

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