Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1931-10-18

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had literally stepped from one world
to another. she was not dlsmayed. IL
is true that there was much for her TO
learn. such as the Western way OF Nv
ing and entertaining; the tradltlohai
kimCno and gotta had to pe eSchanseu
for a different type of clothes and loot
gear. and strange languages had TO De
mastered. But observation and perse-
verance we're her willing allies.
So it has come about that the geniai
little wife of Japans Ambassador, Nine
Hama Debuchi, has made a gracelui
and entirely successful Improvement
with the civilization of the Occident.
Languages Are Difficult.
1.-THE most difficult thing l have
found about being a diplomats wife
Nine. Debuchi said recently, is learn
ing the different languages. Wish l
could speak better English than DO.
And the dark eyes ana Oriental features
that are lighted up so often with pleas
ure were serious for moment.
But one could only wonder at the
modestv of this little lady with the
glossy black hair Already an Amerl-
can enunciation and dictum mark her
as an apt pupil who has gone lar In the
mastery of a language entirely foreign
to any found in the Far East.
Not only is Nine. Debuchi success
fully conquering the intricacleS ana IN
consistencies of the language that Is
English. but she has apparently come
INTO possession of some secrets of
youthfulness for which American Wom-
en- spend their days and nights IN
search. At least one would scarcelv
suspect that she could have son Ola
enough to be a sophomore in Princeton.
we expect Masaru to be diplomat
some day" she said, in speaking OF
him. OF course. he'll have to pass
very hard examinations before ne
reaches such a position she went on;
But one cannot imagine that ne VII
have any particular difficulty on that
score.
Daughter Now in School.
Taxa. a daughter. the only other
child in the Debuchi family. has been
studying at the Friends School.
we are taking Taxa back to Japan
with us when we leave the middle OIL
October" her mother said. referring to
The trim she and the Ambassador are
about to embark upon after being IN
washington for three years
Traditional Oriental customs were OBJ
served by Nine. Debuchi and her fam
ily in her betrothal and marriage TO
Ambassador Debuchi.
You see. was born in the Capital
City of Toxic, a typical japanese girl
Nine. Debuchi related in her sweet, low
voice. My father was one OF the nrst
LAWYERS in Japan, after graduating from
the Law School of Boston University.
lawyers. as all power over Justice. ana
everything else. for that matter, rested
with the shogunS"
Nine. Debuchi'a education was &C
ouired in the schools Of Japan. Al
though she received small amount OF
training in English at this time. she
admits that it has been Of no beneht
to her in learning the language AS
a girl she was accomplished in playing
the native koto, kind Of long harp
with Is strings.
Families Decide for Cupid.
But to proceed to the greatest event
In a japanese girls life-her marriage.
It happened that there lived in Toxic
a Japanese gentleman with whom Nine.
Debuchi's parents were friendly. II
also happened that this gentleman had
a Young nephew in the Emperors for-
eign service in Korea, Mr.. KatsuJl
Debuchi.
When it comes to romances in Japan
the heads of families decide in what
direction Dan Cupid shall let go his
fatal darts. Consequently, it was but
the regular proceeding for Nine.
Debuchi's parents to arrange with the
uncle for her betrothal to his nephew
without the knowledge of either party
directly concerned. Thus, when the
was consummated, Nine
Debuchi was informed by her father
that she was to become the bride OF
the young japanese diplomat. And she,
being a dutiful daughter OF tradltlon-
loving Nippon, readily consented TO the
so it was some time after our engage
ment that my husband and I met for
the first time"-and Nine. Debuchl
smiled with evident amusement at the
curiosity with which Westerners regard
such an unusual custom. When he
came from Korea to see me for the
first time" she continued, we were
married within the week at Shlntolst
shrine The same night after the cere-
mony we left for Shanghai where my
had received new diplomatic
rs white the traditional color for
wedding garb in Japan?" she was asked,
land is there an exchange of rings be-
tween the bride and groom?'
Brides Often Wear Black.
Some brides wear white" Nine.
Debuchi replied, "but more often they
wear black dresses deliberately en-
broidered. Occasionally rings are eX-
but this is a purely Western
custom that has been imported. I have
no ring" and she extended her hand
to SubStantiate the statement.
DO parents in Japan still arrange
the marriages for their children?" was
the next question asked her.
Yes" was the laughing rejoinder,
"but. of course, the consent of the
young people concerned is much more
necessary now than it was at one time.
Il like to entertain" Nine. Debuchi
declared pleasantly because l ike 10
meet the American people"
And in doing this Nine. Debuchi has
had to make number of adjustments
to a new civilization.
Your customs and manner of doing
things are so different from ours" she
declared In entertaining l have COM
pletely westerniZed my ways to accom-
modate my guests. Except for lew
Japanese dishes now and then my din
ners are truly American in menu and
service
Sukiyaki Is Favorite Dish.
American travellers in Japan. accord
Ing to Nine Debuchi. have found great
relish in a natiIs dish called sukiyaki
This preparation might seem to have
some common kinship with the Irish
stew OF Anglo Saxon culinary parlance.
for it is made of beef and onions
cooked with varied assortment OF
vegetables.
THE unique thing about this dish Is
that it is cooked on the table" contin-
ued Nine. Debuchi. Here in the United
States we make it on an electric grill.
but in Japan it is cooked over small
oox-like stove in which charcoal Is
burned. OF course, it is made with
Anchor Bar Teeth