FEATURES

Gobi Struck

Covering a vast area of southern Mongolia, the harsh Gobi Desert is a place of rare beauty where nomadic herdsmen eke out an existence amid extremes of nature.

By Ewen Bell

To Stratford upon Narrow Boat

England’s 250-year-old system of canals was once a network of commerce, but today the canals are widely used by boating holidaymakers aboard comfortable barges.

By Peter Neville-Hadley

Mashiko: A Tale of Two Potters

This year marks a century since the ceramicist Bernard Leach returned to Japan to undertake a fruitful artistic partnership that came to be closely associated with the town of Mashiko.

By Robert Reed

DEPARTMENTS

BUSINESS TRENDS

Life Begins Around Forty

Brett Bull examines the niche market of luxury goods and services for women about the age of 40.

DOWN TO EARTH

Justin McCurry looks at the offbeat and unusual side of modern-day Japan.

SKYWARD INTERVIEW

Toshiyuki Nishida

Tony McNicol interviews the actor who portrays the strict, cantankerous chef in The Ramen Girl.

TABLE TALK

Persimmon Perceptions

Steve Ford samples the subtly sweet pleasures of the persimmon and suggests three recipes.

ENCOUNTERS

The Milk of Mysore

Jon Burbank discovers some interesting gourmet variations on a dairy product in a southern Indian city.

BRAIN BUSTERS

Some puzzles and a crossword to while away the hours on high.

JAL'S WORLD

FESTIVALS & EVENTS

What’s on this month in Japan.

Cover illustration by Koji Fujikawa (Matsushima, Japan)