Washington sentinel., 1899-03-25
How Japanese Gentlemen Amuse
Themselves.

AhenBelNe9.
Mr.. J King Goodrich, writing
IN the New York Forum, says
while connected with the Third
Higher Middle School, in Osaka,
l was called on one afternoon by
one OF my scholars, who had been
sent by gentleman to invite me
to speno the next day with him
and some oi his friends in the pur-
suit OF pleasure after the Japanese
fashion. l was told that my host
would send for me about nine
o'clock and that my young pupil
himself W would be in attendance to
act as interpreter, in case my
knowledge of the language was
insufficient to assure me that clear
understanding of the conversation
and OF the plaY-the theatre was to
be the scene OF the irolic during
much OF the daY-Which would
be essential to my enjoyment.
Next morning, promptly at the
hour named, arrived a handsome
linriksha, drawn by two men in
livery; and | was taken to nv
entertainers town house, where l
met some Of has friends. We were
served with cigarettes, tea, cakes,
and tiny cup or two Of the finest
sake. AT eleven we went to a very
hne restaurant,and the FIRST course
OF an elaborate meal was served
a cup OF sake and some comfts.
Then the geisha, or professional
singing and dancing girls, and the
samlsen players appeared, to add
to the entertainment. They did
not devote themselves exclusively
to their arts; for some Of them
helped in serving the sake, and
engaged in conversation with US.
found the Young woman who had
been detailed especially to attend
10 me to be a remarkably bright
person, well able to make me under
stand her conversation, and, what
was even more satisfactory, able
to understand my Japanese fairly
well, so that while at the restaurant
l had little occasion to call in the
aid OF my interpreter. AT about 4
p. m. the bowl of plain boiled rice
and the cup Of tea, which mark the
end Of feast in Japan, as in China,
were served; and we were then
asked to get ready for the theatre.
Unlike China, buildings used /
expressly for Thespian purposes |
ire common in Japan, although |
'ut OF door performances on a tenn
1orary stage are also given. The
heatres Of Osaka are in the
Ootomdori district, and are
by side shows Of
,very description. We went
70 the largest. and best-a plain
wooden building, not in any
WaY attractive as re1srds its ex-
error. nor ornamental in its inter
or. The auditorium is a large,
quare room; the fat floor being
iivided into many small sections
W low railings, each section ac-
ommodating six or eight persons,
nd being equipped with mats.
Jshers are in attendance, also ped
lers OF play books, fruits, and
inches; for a theatrical day is a
ong one, lasting from early morn
lg until late at night. Everybody
moksd, women as we'll as men;
nd at intervals tea and sweetmeats
'ere seryed:to our party.
noticed that some Of the specta-
ors sat along the edge OF the stage,
$ they used to do in England in
time. Our geisha
ccompanied US from the restau-
ant and mine appeared highly
mused that / understood 80 much
the play. AT about six o'clock
ne play ended. The actors sus-
ended oDerations for supper; and
e went to a restaurant next door
n ours. We returned to the
leatre about halfpast seven to
nd another play going on. stayed
ltil ten, when l thought / had
Id enough and went home. My q
ost appeared to be a little disap-
'inted at NV early departure, and
,pressed regret at his failure to
ford me enjoyment. | assured
m that he had been eminently
ccessful." "
A'a.aHa |