SCENES IN TOKIO

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 30, 4 August 1923, Page 14

SCENES IN TOKIO

AN EASTERN

"PETTICOAT LANE."

Tokio's shopping thoroughfare runs from Shimbashi Station, in the heart of Tokio, to Daiman (Great Gate), the entrance to Zojoli Temple. Not more than an alley in width, the only traffic over it is pedestrian, including jinrikishas and handcarts. '

Though narrow, the lane is quite straight, says a correspondent of the "Christian 'Science Monitor," and the crowding shops on each side contain about all the things a modest Japanese housekeeper might want. The small shops specialise) one containing screens finished and in the making, another fans only, or paper lanterns and umbrellas of heavy waterproof paper. There are baker's shops, fruit stalls, and fish stalls. Timers are, shop that supply futon (bedding) and cushions, and others containly only the heavy gray and white watta (raw cotton) iqy cushion stuffing. Zorfi (slippers) and geta (wooden clogf^, with foreign style shoes made entirely of rubber, some for email children being of bright blue,' green or red rubber are proudly displayed.

Kimonos, both new and second-hand, and much material for the making of them, and exquisite obi (sash) stuffs fill other shops, and there is a box of a place where remnants of fine silks "and brocades from materials used in the temples can be bought. In one little shop a quaint old couple preside over a collection of shrine and temple wares, their peaceful faces brightening to friendly smiles when a visitor stops in frank admiration of some rare carving or quaint old image. ' '. - On certain evenings each month the street is invaded by an army of itinerant peddlers, who set up tables on each side in front of the shops. Then,' indeed, it is gay in Petticoat Lane. The jostling crowd creeps along, happy, and chatting. Candy, toys, balloons,' flowers, dwafted trees, prints, curios, kitchen ware, all are temptingly arranged, and much bargaining is done. This busy scene lasts until nearly midnight, when the crowds disappear as though by magic.

It is during a religious festival, however, that the little street is at its fairest and best. Then gay bunting stretches from side to side throughout its entire length. Flags flutter from every projection and at night there is a blaze of lights. Almost every hour 5 processions are met, wending their way. chanting, to a near-by shrine, and the faint smell of incense is noticeable, and the soft, deep tones of the temple bell boom sweetly from time to time.