148 



THE LIVING RACES OF MANKIND 



who obstinately clung to their independence, and who, in the second century of our era, were 

 driven beyond Yokohama, and subsequently to the north island of Yezo, where they still 

 exist, only nominally subject to their conquerors. These highly interesting aborigines, of 

 Caucasian origin, will be described further on (see page 152). 



The Japanese of all classes are highly courteous and obliging. Personally brave, and 

 proud of the great deeds performed by their forefathers, they are altogether a warlike nation, 

 distinguished beyond others for their contempt of death and by an almost morbid sense of 

 personal honour. The latter sentiment leads to frequent duelling and to quarrels between 

 individuals and families, which are maintained with a persistency and pitiless rancour that 

 remind one of the Corsican vendetta. This dark side of their character is not, however, 

 apparent to ordinary observers. Their restless activity and good-humour are the traits most 

 constantly displayed, and are illustrated by the amusements which they pursue with uncommon 

 zest. The natives seem to be almost frivolous in their freedom from care. But they are always 

 polite, and this is as true of the sturdy porter who carries your baggage, and the man who 

 draws you through the streets in the jinriksha, as of the pretty waitress who supplies you 

 with the universal beverage in the tea-house. Even the beggars and they are many excite 

 interest by their professional buffoonery. 



In every Japanese city a large space is set apart for amusements and called the joshiwara. 

 There may always be found performing in the streets troupes of clever acrobats, jugglers, 

 clowns, and strolling players. The many theatres may be visited for a trifling fee, and in 

 these establishments the audience remains squatted in family groups for hours. Wrestling 

 is even more popular than the drama, often exciting enthusiasm as frantic as that which 

 Spaniards exhibit at a bull-fight. Another very favourite form of amusement is the flying 

 of kites, and it is no uncommon sight to see quite old people amusing themselves in this 

 manner. On the whole, the Japanese must be described as a gay, pleasure-seeking people. 

 They devote the whole eveniug to some kind of relaxation, which is always preceded 



by the cleansing and refreshing 

 bath. 



The rapidity with which the 

 Japanese adopt European customs is 

 strikingly illustrated in their dress. 

 This is more particularly true of 

 Tokio, Yokohama, and other populous 

 cities where Europeans reside longest 

 and in greatest number, though it 

 applies chiefly to the wealthier and 

 the more cultivated classes. The real 

 charm of Japanese life, so different 

 from that of other lands, is not 

 to be found in its Europeanised 

 circles, but among the great mass 

 of the people. It is they who repre- 

 sent in Japan, as in all countries, the 

 national character, national virtues, 

 and national vices, and who cling to 

 their old customs, their Buddhist 

 images, their household shrines, their 

 fervent worship of ancestors, and their 

 queer, if rather picturesque, style of 

 dress. 



Photo by .I/....T, A,;,,,,, ,i .*,. Notwithstanding the intellectually 



TWO rxin DAUGHTERS OF JAPAN. emancipating effect of the revolution 



