Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1904-03-29
JAPANESE WAY OF LIFE
METHODS OF WORK AND SYSTEM
OF EXERCISE.
Food Largely Fish and Rice
How Latter is
Raised.
From the New York Tribune.

From the New York Tribune.
While the military department OF the
Japanese nation is now so prominently De-
fore the eyes of the world, side glimpse
at few of the varied and representative
inhabitants of the mikado's realm, emprac-
ing some of it's stay-at-home Industrial 1olK,
pursuing their occupations amid picturesque
surroundings, is of interest. The American
Museum of Natural History has just receiv-
ed a typical series of rative colored prints
from one of it's explorers, now in that coun-
try, to supplement new Asiatic collection.
AS handicraftsmen in almost evry line the
Japanese are far ahead of all their Asiatic
neighbors, having adopted modern methods
and appliances generally, though in some
interior localities somewhat remote from
Transportation centers the simple native
style of workmanship prevails. Probably
the house builder furnishes one of the most
genuine and picturesque examples or olo
Says and methods still in vogue. The mas
ter builder is evidently not handicapped by
the absence of saw mills. HIS huge beams
ere brought in the rough to the place OF
building being propped up at an angle OIL 10
degrees. He mounts the same, and with an
assistant on the ground proceeds with a
handsaw patiently to sever the timper 10
suit his requirements. One of the ODD lea
tures In the erection of the one-story dwell
framework being held together py strohs
fiber cords. The guild OF carpenters wear
"a distinct costume, whereby they are recog-
nized consisting OF snort COTTON .unic'
ornamented in bands of blue, while the large
symbolic figure in the same color covers the
whole of the back and shoulders. young
apprentice has to serve NUMBER OF years
without pay, learning the manipulation OF
the long and fatiguing nanosa"' oeioie nv
can earn scanty wages.
Muscle to Muscle.
It is said by many observant travellers
and a number Of special foreign inVeso-
GATORS who have studied the matter that
the Japanese, in consequence OF tneir Pc
culiar and superior system of physical ex-
ercises. have become the healthiest ana
strongest men in the world, and have at
tanned the highest form of perfecuon tnat
is capable of being reached by the human
body. This is due to their exact scieno1v
of diet and exercise in the fresh air, m
stead of the polluted atmosphere OF the
gymnasium. Little or no apparatus is useo
in their outdoor work. Muscle pitted
against muscle is the keynote of their
scheme of training. and the development OF
the lower extremities, the loins and thighs,
said to be the natural seat of strength, re-
ceiyes special attention, supplemented py
that of the forearm. BY this plan any and
almost every muscle of the body can De ex-
ercised and developed.
One of the favorite and most efficient ex-
ercises for the arm which is specially re-
ouired In the military is the open-afr fenc-
ing bout, with long lances of bamboo. The
face and upper part of the body during
these contests are protected, the head by
long, flowing hood. the front being supplied
with metal screen, shielding the wearer's
face from the thrust of his opponents
lance. Dexterously to knock the lance
from the grasp of the other, and at the
same time to finish the feat by throwing
him to the ground-which requires light
wrestling match and exercise of muscular
strengths the desired goal of the fence.
These and all other contests are entered
into with an equanimity of temper and
pleasant manner, which are kept up to the
end and are important elements in develop
ing the national character.
Food Staples.
Fish and rice are the two staple articles