Japan is undeniably special – which is why our latest issue is a Japan special. Expect cuddly mascots, high-flying aviation projects, countryside craft and lashings of udon noodles. Wait, you want a Christmas gift guide and our inaugural Soft Power Awards too? Let’s do this.

Available now at [The Monocle Shop](https://monocle.com/shop/product/1622601/issue-129/)

Monocle preview: December/ January issue, 2020

Industry news and must-visit locations from the worlds of food, travel, retail and more.

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Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

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Investing

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Management & Marketing

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In Monocle’s latest book, Swim & Sun, you’ll find our pick of the places in which to cool off when the mercury rises and plenty to get you dreaming about your next dip. We celebrate the joys of diving into the ocean, leaping into a river and allowing your limbs to stretch – and your mind to clear – as you simply swim. In its visually stunning pages, the guide celebrates the sunny pleasures on offer at our favourite beach clubs, urban pools and lakeside bathing spots. [So pick up a copy and jump in.](https://monocle.com/shop/)

Swim & sun: a Monocle guide

Who tops our liveable leaderboard? Monocle’s annual Quality of Life Survey puts the world’s best cities through their paces and profiles the urban centres on the up. We also get set for summer by gardening in Hiroshima, dining in Marseille and dancing in Mexico City. Plus: how Bratislava’s bass-playing, architect mayor is helping the city to find its groove. [Grab your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/)

Monocle preview: July/August issue, 2023

Look on the bright side of life with [Konfekt’s dazzling summer instalment](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2337535/konfekt-issue-11/). Issue 11 is an ideal accompaniment to beachside lounging, featuring an alluring trip along Portugal’s untamed Atlantic coast, inspiring residences and a look at why rose oil is so valuable that it’s kept in a vault. Plus: Lebanese mezze, wild swimming and what to wear in the sun.

Konfekt preview: Issue 11

Ever dreamed of ditching the rat race for a life on the land? We meet the new Mediterranean farmers doing just that in the latest edition of Monocle. Issue 164 also includes an Art Special that puts collectors, galleries and this year’s Art Basel in the frame. Plus: a guide to the Venice Architecture Biennale and a rare venture into Syria. [Order your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/product/2326118/issue-164/)

Monocle preview: June issue, 2023

Monocle’s third annual Design Awards honour the top 50 objects, places and designers that have popped onto our radar over the past year. Expect stunning buildings, cosy furniture and saké in cans. Elsewhere in Issue 163, we find out how Russia recruits spies (and why it needs to), set up home at the world’s premier property fair and step out in spring fashion. [Grab your copy today.](https://monocle.com/shop/)

Monocle preview: December/ January issue, 2020

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