‘I’m glad to be Japanese!’ It’s a thought that two-thirds of Japanese people have had. But with nationalism’s long, sordid history in the country, some debate whether it can be taken too far. With a recent spike in patriotism in Japan's popular culture, how is it translating to the rest of the world?

Is Japan really light-years ahead with technology? Is sex really a taboo? Is sipping on sake still the drink of choice? In our 2015 cultural snapshot of Japan, we debunk cultural myths, shed light on the country’s economic outlook, and explore the emerging and established trends across 12 sectors.

More than 200 million Pumpkin Spice Lattes have been sold since 2003, attracting a cult-like following in the process. Its arrival is considered the ‘start of fall’, welcomed online with excitement worthy of a homecoming queen. How did a hot drink become the icon of all things autumnal?

Solo travel may be on the rise – 38% of Brits will holiday alone in 2015 – but there are signs of a counter-trend, led by social tribes who book trips based on company rather than destination. In the first of a two-part report, Canvas8 looks at those travelling for religious or musical reasons.