South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1921-11-20
Claims Japanese
Are Noe Leading
a "DOubLe Life
Younger Generation Occi-
dental. While Older Ones
Stick to ChOpsticks.
BY PAUL III. EGOLF.
lSneCial TO NeWs-Times. D

a.
pan is leading a double life
Such is the opinion OF o. Teyoda.
Imperial minister OF railways OF the
Island Empire. who has been a
visitor in Philadelphia. But the
double life has no sinister meaning
rather a humorous one. for IL is
the product Of the never-ending bat
tie between the traditions OF Nippon
and the probabilities OF the Occi-
dent
Even old man High Cost Of Living
has invaded the orient IN quaint
fashion. according to Mr. Toyoda.
selecting the kimono as the prime
object of his attack. Once the regu-
lation dress OF every respectable
Japanese. the kimono is being rapid
~ driven out of the islands by the
American ready-made suit. which.
in addition 20 being cheaper than
the native garment. allows the wear
er 20 work unhampered by loose
flowing folds.
Even the children are now being
clothed in rompers. overalls and
other Yankee clothing. which gives
the maximum amount OF freedom in
play, combined with case Of wash
ing.
Prefer Chairs TO Mats.
But II IS in other phases Of
home life tina. the clash between the
old and the new is being most
severely felt" said Mr.. Toyoda.
Many Of the younger generation
have gone TO school and been en-
gagged in business in Europe and
America and become accustomed
while there TO sitting IN chairs,
thereby acquiring an aversion to re-
urn TO the Oriental fashion Of
squatting on a mat.
AS the younger person return
ing TO Nippon will not squat. SO it
is equally out Of the question for
the older people TO sit up straight
in high backed chairs and preside
at tables. The solution has been
found In furnishing rooms 10 suit
both generations. which, although
it separates the family at social
functions. is more suitable 10 the
needs of the persons involved. This
makes for Jazz parties" in one part
OF the house and dignifed recrea-
ton in the other.
"The changes wrought by contact
with the Occident have affected the
family meal as We'll making it now
practically impossible for a Japan
csc household TO dine together.
Young Japs Like Beef.
During their trips TO Europe
and America a fondness for roast
beef. mashed potatoes. French ras-
try and other articles Of diet in
compatible with the frugal Japan
csc diet OF rice. egg and chicken
combinations. Even tea. that firmly
rooted institution OF japanese life,
Is being threatened by the introduce
ton OF coffee or more exciting bever-
ages. Again. this leads TO a split in
the home and necessitates the cook
leading a double life, unless the
family is wealthy enough 70 employ
two chefs TO meet the tastes Of the
older folk and the younger gour-
mands.
In table service the conflict is
again in evidence Chopsticks for
the elder; knives. forks and spoons
for the younger members are seen,
as we'll as a variety of dishes and
tableware. Soup IS now consumed to
two melodies in different languages.
Not only has the 'double-life' prob
lem reached a point where IL be-
comes serious IN its social and eco
nOmiC aspect. but Il forms one OF
the fchief items in the upward
march OF the cost Of living in the
land OF the Rising sun"