Highlighting JAPAN

This month's Cover Story focuses on the issue of Japanese creativity, specifically the way Japanese designers and manufacturers draw on unique, long-standing traditions but present their work in contemporary styles, creating "products" which today fall under the broad moniker of "Cool Japan."

Fashion designer Naoto Hirooka and his h.NAOTO fashion label were among the big draws at the Japan Expo in Paris earlier this summer.

Among the scores of artists from Japan and around the world who will exhibit at the Yokohama Triennale this fall is painter Manabu Ikeda. We interview the artist.

Rumi Shibasaki has taken the traditional summer kimono known as the yukata to a new level of street-level popularity with her novel fabric designs.

Author, director and actor Shatner Nishida also counts origami among his skills. We take a look at Nishida's paper-folding prowess.

Keiko Mutoh has helped pioneer a boom in the popularity of Japanese dining in Kuwait.

Japan-EU English Haiku Contest winner Federica Bertacchini explains the attraction and power of the haiku form.

Eiji Mitooka's designs for train interiors have won him numerous awards. We interview the industrial designer and illustrator.

Sueshiro Sano comes from a long line of shipbuilders, but is best known today as a maker of mahogany bicycles.

An interview with Yoshiharu Fukuhara, honorary chairman of cosmetics giant Shiseido and chair of the Public-Private Expert Panel on Creative Industries.