L MONOCLE
Editor’s Letter
Tyler Brûlé introduces our Japan special – and chalks up essential dates for your festive diary.The opener
We report from an idiosyncratic nation that has won us over with its quirky kerbside totems, drinks-filled vending machines, mascots and of course, shower toilets.Piggy in the middle
After footage of a boar attacking a man in Fukuoka emerged, the city felt compelled to respond. Monocle’s Kenji Hall joins a patrol.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.My cabinet
Japan’s sure-footed team of scientists and engineers head out into the cold to monitor our atmosphere.Cosy corner
Expat baker Morihide Yoshida believes the success of his Paris patisserie reflects the common culinary bond shared by Japan and France.Soft power awards
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monocle’s Soft Power Awards. This year we’re celebrating those who are persuading the world in a subtler way.
On the move
We visit the Japanese diasporas that are leaving a distinct mark on the world stage.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.Tipping point
In Japan, communism is not a dirty word. A top-selling newspaper and donation at the municipal level herald a decisive moment for this leftist, pacifist party.Japanese lessons
Impeccable service, responsible citizenship and warm hospitality are just some of the practices that make society tick in Japan. Here are 10 things the country can teach the world.Politics Briefing
Future leaders of Japan, the Lisbon Treaty anniversary and how spooks are coming out of the shadows.Diplomacy Briefing
Japanese soft power in Washington, a Lithuanian war hero and Australia's soft power revival.Defence Briefing
Island disputes troubling Japan and the US nuclear command finally retires its floppy disks.Cities Briefing
Finding quality of life in Japan, Bogotá gets a metro and a suburb of Vancouver finally has a city centre.
High flyer
Japan is getting ready to take to the skies as Mitsubishi finishes off its first airplane: the slick and efficient SpaceJet M90.Tipping the scales
Kiyoshi Kimura splashes out to buy the first tuna of the year but the larger-than-life methods of Japan’s King of Tuna rely on getting the small details right.Root cause
One man is pushing for a rural return with a business-minded mix of hospitality and agricultural innovation.Modern niches
Whether it’s door-to-door delivery services, cutesy telegrams or ear salons, Japan is home to a host of unique businesses.
Showing their colours
Tokyo’s contemporary-art scene (and collector base) is growing, thanks in part to a group of energetic gallerists with a passion for their country’s creativity. We put four of them – and their key artists – in the frame.Changing the picture
When three friends opened a small cinema in the coastal town of Zushi, it was the spark for the city’s cultural transformation.Tokyo tea party
The world of J-pop is meticulously controlled but latest sensation Chai are embracing a DIY spirit and dancing to their own beat.The Ten
From fantastical anime to upbeat electronica and art shows that interrogate the relationship between man and machine, Japan has much to offer those looking to jump-start their imaginations.
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.Put it down on paper
Digital developments have transformed graphic design but Tokyo’s ‘Idea’ magazine remains a global champion of print.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.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.
Bowled over
Kagawa is a prefecture so enamoured with Sanuki udon noodles that the delicacy is both tourist attraction and TV star. We tuck in.Getting a taste for it
Dining out in Japan’s capital never ceases to raise the culinary bar. We’ve picked out three venues that serve to highlight the city’s eclectic mix.Food & Drink Briefing
Must-visit venues, including an Italian-Japanese restaurant in east London, a canny vineyard close to Tokyo and a kitchen with French-Japanese flair in New York.
Big in Japan
Japan is known for its wealth of high-quality fashion brands but which is leading the pack? Here are three Tokyo standouts.Process power
The Japanese fashion industry’s dedication to perfecting production techniques has set the bar for manufacturing excellence. How did this celebration of the specifics come to define the country’s exacting output?Pack leader
The great outdoors is having a moment and Snow Peak hopes its fashionable pitch can turn this into a movement.Cold comfort
Offset those winter blues, greens and browns with flourishes of yellow and red – and layer up against the chill with oversized coats and snug knits.
With the world’s attention set to be fixated on the Far East during Olympic year, we’re celebrating all things Japan. Cover star Kumamon – the big, furry and fun mascot of Kumamoto prefecture – fires the starting gun but there’s plenty more, from J-pop’s freshest faces to devotees of the Suzuki Jimny. Elsewhere we lavish praise of Japan’s unique approach to craftsmanship and clothes-making, find out why the country’s communist party endures and go in search of the best – and biggest – Sanuki udon noodles. Plus: a Christmas gift guide and our inaugural Soft Power Awards.
Issue 129
December 2019/January 2020
At the front
Editor’s Letter
Tyler Brûlé introduces our Japan special – and chalks up essential dates for your festive diary.The opener
We report from an idiosyncratic nation that has won us over with its quirky kerbside totems, drinks-filled vending machines, mascots and of course, shower toilets.Piggy in the middle
After footage of a boar attacking a man in Fukuoka emerged, the city felt compelled to respond. Monocle’s Kenji Hall joins a patrol.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.My cabinet
Japan’s sure-footed team of scientists and engineers head out into the cold to monitor our atmosphere.Cosy corner
Expat baker Morihide Yoshida believes the success of his Paris patisserie reflects the common culinary bond shared by Japan and France.Soft power awards
Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Monocle’s Soft Power Awards. This year we’re celebrating those who are persuading the world in a subtler way.
Affairs
On the move
We visit the Japanese diasporas that are leaving a distinct mark on the world stage.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.Tipping point
In Japan, communism is not a dirty word. A top-selling newspaper and donation at the municipal level herald a decisive moment for this leftist, pacifist party.Japanese lessons
Impeccable service, responsible citizenship and warm hospitality are just some of the practices that make society tick in Japan. Here are 10 things the country can teach the world.Politics Briefing
Future leaders of Japan, the Lisbon Treaty anniversary and how spooks are coming out of the shadows.Diplomacy Briefing
Japanese soft power in Washington, a Lithuanian war hero and Australia's soft power revival.Defence Briefing
Island disputes troubling Japan and the US nuclear command finally retires its floppy disks.Cities Briefing
Finding quality of life in Japan, Bogotá gets a metro and a suburb of Vancouver finally has a city centre.
Business
High flyer
Japan is getting ready to take to the skies as Mitsubishi finishes off its first airplane: the slick and efficient SpaceJet M90.Tipping the scales
Kiyoshi Kimura splashes out to buy the first tuna of the year but the larger-than-life methods of Japan’s King of Tuna rely on getting the small details right.Root cause
One man is pushing for a rural return with a business-minded mix of hospitality and agricultural innovation.Modern niches
Whether it’s door-to-door delivery services, cutesy telegrams or ear salons, Japan is home to a host of unique businesses.
Culture
Showing their colours
Tokyo’s contemporary-art scene (and collector base) is growing, thanks in part to a group of energetic gallerists with a passion for their country’s creativity. We put four of them – and their key artists – in the frame.Changing the picture
When three friends opened a small cinema in the coastal town of Zushi, it was the spark for the city’s cultural transformation.Tokyo tea party
The world of J-pop is meticulously controlled but latest sensation Chai are embracing a DIY spirit and dancing to their own beat.The Ten
From fantastical anime to upbeat electronica and art shows that interrogate the relationship between man and machine, Japan has much to offer those looking to jump-start their imaginations.
Design
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.Put it down on paper
Digital developments have transformed graphic design but Tokyo’s ‘Idea’ magazine remains a global champion of print.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.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.
Entertaining
Bowled over
Kagawa is a prefecture so enamoured with Sanuki udon noodles that the delicacy is both tourist attraction and TV star. We tuck in.Getting a taste for it
Dining out in Japan’s capital never ceases to raise the culinary bar. We’ve picked out three venues that serve to highlight the city’s eclectic mix.Food & Drink Briefing
Must-visit venues, including an Italian-Japanese restaurant in east London, a canny vineyard close to Tokyo and a kitchen with French-Japanese flair in New York.
Fashion
Big in Japan
Japan is known for its wealth of high-quality fashion brands but which is leading the pack? Here are three Tokyo standouts.Process power
The Japanese fashion industry’s dedication to perfecting production techniques has set the bar for manufacturing excellence. How did this celebration of the specifics come to define the country’s exacting output?Pack leader
The great outdoors is having a moment and Snow Peak hopes its fashionable pitch can turn this into a movement.Cold comfort
Offset those winter blues, greens and browns with flourishes of yellow and red – and layer up against the chill with oversized coats and snug knits.
Inventory
Expo
