by Simon Farrell
In 20 years as a journalist I have reviewed luxury cars, fast bikes, best-selling books, tropical resorts and gourmet restaurants. But a fan? Read inside how Dyson has done it again — and enter the easy competition to win its latest bladeless model. Indeed, the UK innovator leads a WIFM summer issue strong on British goods, services and people.
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by Julian Ryall
The Itaewon district of downtown Seoul is shedding its sleaze to become a chic destination for locals and visitors alike. Girlie bars, long associated with brawling US soldiers based at the nearby Yongsan Garrison, are being bulldozed and replaced by classy eateries, while Paris-esque pavement cafes are taking over the down-at-heel knick-knack shops.
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by Simon Farrell
Although Tokyo is a city of great contrasts, few parts of the central metropolis with easy access to business districts also offer the serenity of centuries-old cultural draws, and even wildlife. Add to that the spectacular views from one of the city’s highest natural points, and furnished residences featuring warm hospitality and all the frills, and you have Atago Green Hills Forest Tower.
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by Custom Media
Stylish, powerful — and green
While two-seat sports cars are generally more comfortable and reliable than ever, earlier models have traditionally offered better performance—until now. Priced at about one-fourth the cost of an Italian exotic, Lotus launched its latest Elise in Tokyo last June and invited WIFM to take a look.
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by Simon Farrell
When Robert Heldt put the Dyson Air Multiplier on his cluttered desk at Custom Media, we wondered where the essential bits were. “It’s bladeless!” he explained. Staff hovered over the minimalist design, prodding the buttons on the base and admiring the blue finish. After hitting start, the AM01 focused an even flow of air on my face, accelerating smoothly from dead slow to an almost industrial blast with a gentle turn of the air speed button.
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by Catherine Shaw
Born in London, raised in Australia and educated in Tokyo and Paris, Ned Goodwin is the only resident of Japan to join the esteemed ranks of the world’s 281 Masters of Wine. But rather than simply extol the virtues of the world’s finest wines, he says he is more proud of the interesting wine lists he has created for family restaurants in Tokyo. “It’s not difficult to come up with excellent wines to recommend, but much more challenging to find wines that will suit a variety of cuisines at an acceptable price point”
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by Catherine Shaw
Some things in life defy explanation. Like why eating outdoors can be better than inside — despite the latter’s air conditioning and expensive décor. Even Tokyo’s rain and searing summer are not enough to put off devotees. Whatever your theory, we think it comes down to the thrill of escaping the urban jungle, which makes our hot list of stunning outdoor eating spots the source of serious elbow jostling.
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