1+ mon, 4+ week ago   (432+ words) Honolulu’s legendary Halekulani hotel is a dream for Japanese guests, but far away. Now, its owners have reproduced its many charms in a paradisal landscape closer to home in Okinawa. Although many holiday-poor Japanese travellers are prepared to fly to…...

5+ mon, 2+ week ago   (450+ words) Monocle The wider world is finally waking up to the joys of the kei car; even Donald Trump declared them “really cute” after his recent visit to Japan. A category of its own since 1949, the kei-jidosha – “light vehicle” – is small…...

2+ mon, 3+ week ago   (330+ words) The Jun Group is behind some of Japan’s most inspiring labels. We meet the president of the company selling more than just clothes. From the beginning, Sasaki looked beyond fashion, broadening his portfolio to include wine, fitness and golf – an…...

3+ mon, 2+ week ago   (177+ words) Tiny shops in unlikely locations are helping innovative Tokyo retailers to stay ahead. We track down the compact outposts of Hereness and Graphpaper, which show us how it’s done. Despite the brand’s editorial roots, Hereness doesn’t get caught up trying…...