The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1894-03-05
A JAPANESE LECTURE.
Frank Jakasugi Talks Interestingly
of His NnfiNe Lnnd.

Frank Jakasugi, a Japanese student at
DePauw University, lectured on the man
ners and customs of his people at Grace
NJ. E. Church last night A large audi
ence was present to hear him Jakasugi
was converted nine years ago by Methodist
missionaries, He comes from one of the
royal families of the empire During the
progress of his remarks he attired HIM
self in native garments the style of which
belong only to the natives of high caste.
Jakasugi is yet young, but possesses a bright
intellect and is making rapid progress in the
study of English. He speaks somewhat
brokenly, and although his remarks occa-
sonally create amusement in the audience
the face Of the speaker does not relax
He came TO America four years ago and
entered DePauw University at once. taking
up a theological course. Last night Jakas-
ugl devoted his remarks to an interesting
description of his country and its people
He corrected many erroneous impressions
OF Japan, and lamented that American peo-
pie. as rule, know so little of the Gus
toms of the Japanese and their mode of
living. Japan, he holds. is not so far in
ferior to the countries of the West. 1t is
ufed miles IN width. Scarcely as large as
the state of California, forty million peo-
pie inhabit its narrow confines. Jakasugi
thought that perhaps this crowded condi-
ton of his country was believed by Amer
leans 20 be the cause of the small stature
of the natives
OF the Japanese schools he had something
to say, The child at the age of six IS put
to study. The laws of the land compel
years are required to educate the student,
and at the end of that period he is turned
out to begin his career. The
girls, in addition to being schooled
in all of the educational departments, are
taught the art OF cooking and sewing. The
lecturer thought that an American girl who
did not possess these accomplishments
would find the road to matrimony rough
one. He was enthusiastic in his praises of
To- Il
age, and is betrothed not TO the man of
her choice, but to the son of parents who
may decide upon her as daughter-in-law.
The joys of courtship are unknown in the
land Of the Rising Sun. The parents of the
eligible youth bethink themselves that it is
time the young man take TO himself a wife
and they set out to locate a suitable part
ner for their son. The girl is chosen and
understands that she is to enter the family
OF q certain household. She has not seen
her future husband, nor is she permitted
to look upon him until the hour of the GER
emory, when she presents herself at his
nome and announces that she is prepared To
become his wife. Then the ceremony goes
on after the manner of the country. The
residences in Japan are built low This
style of architecture, the lecturer said was
adopted because of the frequency of earth
quakes. The japanese does not sit on q
chair, neither does he wear his shoes i'm the
house. He leaves these articles at the door
and reclineS on a mat or rug. Fish, eggs
and rice form the principal food of the
tive. The dishes are served in odd numbers.
The native has a supersttious fear of the
even number. and prefers a course of five
seven dishes. Jakasugi is delighted with
the work of Christians i'm his country, and
says that through the efforts of the men
and women sent out by the English
iliZed. He is a firm believer in the efficacy
of prayer. and told how his father was
saved from death by the prayers OF himself
and brother, who was also a convert to
Christianity. Within the last few years his
entire family have discarded the heathenish
custom of worshiping idols, and all have en-
braced the Christian faith. Jakasugi is pay
ing his expenses through college by his
lectures. A considerable sum was collected
last night