The Detroit times. [volume] (Detroit, Mich.) 1903-1920, 1908-04-17
JAPS LEARN HOW
To ADD To THEIR
HEIGHT
VISITING EDITORS SAY PEOPLE
HAVE GROWN TWO INCHES IN
FEW YEARs-HAVE RIGID Ex-
ERcIsE SYSTEM.

NEW YORK. April by a rigid
system OF physical culture Japan has
increased the height of her men and
women two inches in the last few
years. News OF this was brought here
by three Japanese newspaper men.
two OF whom are visiting the princi
pal large cities OF tue world studying
the methods OF advanced Journalism
and the modern mechanical devices
for printing newspapers
The visitors were X Asthma, gen.
eral manager of the Osaka Mai Nichi,
which means the Daily News OF Os-
aka, Japan; N. Okumura, editor OF
the same paper, and Jiro Abratani,
its New York correspondent
After inspecting the Times Build
ing. Mr. Asthma was interviewed and
asked TO return at midnight and see
the story of his visit set in type and
run through the presses. Mr.. Asthma
threw many interesting side lights on
the newspaper business In Japan,
and told OF the physical growth OF the
Japanese In the last few years.
Decided to Grow Tall Men.
THE attention of the government
was called about Is years ago to the
fact that the Japanese as a race were
not as tall as they might be- said
Mr. Asthma so the government
decided TO add few inches to the
stature of her sons and daughters.
The government instructed the heads
OF the schools to see to II that the
students stood up as much as posi-
BILE, as the discovery had been made
that one cause OF the short stature
OF the average Japanese was too
much sitting down. 1t also built
gymnasiums and ordered a regular
course OF physical culture In the
schools. The same was done In the
army.
The result was slow, but 1t now
beginning to be felt. and it is now
estimated that two inches have been
added to the height of many Japan
csc men and women, and another two
inches may be added In another gen
Grafton or two -
Unionizing Jap Printers.
Mr.. Asthma. In speaking OF news
paper conditions in Japan, said that
American labor agitators had sue
ceeded In unionizing large number
Of Japanese printers and typesetters.
Owing TO the large number OF letters
and characters used in printing a
Japanese newspaper. (there are 5000
letters and characters) II requires
about 800 typesetters to get out a pa
per the size OF the Osaka Mai Nichi.
Although the unions have not a strong
hold In Japan, they bid fair soon to
become power, said Mr.. Asthma
The Osaka Mai Nichi is the larg-
est daily newspaper in Japan. Its cir
.llation Is 100000 and the paper Is
read throughout Japan, Korea, and
aarts of China. 1t has staff OF 60
reporters. who are pensioned for life
after becoming too old to work Mod
I'm newspaper methods have invaded
Japan, and several of the newspapers
set out illustrated Sunday editions.
In speaking of the Journey OF the
United States feet to Japanese wa
ters Mr.. Asthma said that the off,
GERS and men will be received royalty
there.
Admiral Evans is greatly admired |
by the people OF my country he |
said. His personality is that of our
Referring to the strained relations |
between Japan and China Mr.. Aishi- |
ma said that the press of Japan
thought the trouble would soon be |
over and the boycott against Japan.
csc goods lifted by China.
1T is only little friction, that's |
ALL" he said, land is restricted 10 |
the hotheads OF southern China"