VISIT TO JAPAN

Evening Post, Issue 20, 23 July 1935, Page 11

VISIT TO JAPAN

WELL WORTH WHILE

ENTHUSIASTIC VISITOR

High opinions cf Japan and the Japanese people are held by Major J. R. Kirk, M.8.E., who returned by the Marama today from a visit to the East. He is firmly of the opinion that there is no such thing as a "Japanese menace." Among other matters mentioned by him on his arrival was the gradual disappearance of the national kimono in favour of Western dress. He said ulso that among the women there was a very big demand for powder and rouge, and that it might .not be long before the wooden slipper was a thing of the past. "So many visitors are entering Japan that the tourist business is one of that interesting and beautiful country's I principal industries, and well indeed is it directed and managed, making travel comfortable and certain," said Major Kirk. "Trains are fast and plentiful, with time-tables suitably arranged and observation and dining cars well attended, while the splendid hotels, cooperating with or directed by the Railway Department, provide universally a super-excellent service. It is no wonder that the tourist business is increasing at a rapid rate, for- internally every consideration is shown the visitor, whose welcome is hearty and courteous. Now, modern hotels are in course of erection at all interesting places, Japan showing in this respect a confidence most commendable which I am sure will prove to be thoroughly justified. . t " "Tri shipping circles, I heard that the Nippon Yusen Kaisha Line had under consideration the establishment of a passenger service with New Zealand. "The coastline of Japan—particularly that of the Inland ■ Sea—is the most beautiful I have seen, and most attractive, possessing an aesthetic charm such as could influence great painters and poets. "Throughout Japan one is impressed —amazed is perhaps the better word —at the industry of the agriculturist, work on the land being the main source of activity. In the industrial world, women are the main driving force so far as labour is concerned, furnishing 82 per cent, of 'man power' in the spinning and weaving industry and 54 per cent, in miscellaneous industries, and proyiding 63 per cent, of the labour used in industry in Japan —a fact which probably explains the low cost of production. Another amazing thought to me, when I viewed the thousands of fishing craft, all with nets, and families living continuously on all kinds of extraordinary floating homes, was that any fish' still remained in the sea! . NOT MERELY IMITATIVE. "It is a mistake to think of the Japanese as merely an imitative people producing cheap goods.: Certainly they have quickly assimilated Western habits and copied Western industries, but they are now interestedin research and are showing much originality, as witness the remarkable automatic loom for cotton weaving, whereby one female hand can manage forty looms; internal frosted electric lamps manufactured in America from a Japanese invention;- lead powder for batteries; the photo-electric telegraph apparatus bought by England; piston-ring . manufacturing machine; and many discoveries on the medical side. And.while it cannot be denied that great quantities of cheap goods are being quickly, produced, they are also manufacturing articles of very high, quality and''securing adequate prices for them. "No unbiased traveller could truthfully state that Japan's , standard of living is unsatisfying, for not only does one fail to see any outward signs of malnutrition, lack of physical energy, or of a discontented people, but on the contrary one is struck by the universally good physique of the people and their attention to cleanliness and their health generally; the strength of the labourers, messengers, etc., and the heavy loads they can draw;. and by the smiles and good nature and marked courtesy of an apparently hajjpy race. Athletics and physical exercises are. much practised by both men and women, and I believe that future generations will be of greater stature. Japan knows that if she is to have strong sons she must first have strong mothers, and these she is getting, and without loss of charm. ; . ■. , •-.-.- INFLUENCE OF BUSHIDO. "At the root o£ all this progress is Bushido, that ethical' standard which inspires all for the country and the Emperor, .teaching self-effacement, and a heaven-ordained place for the nation. "The Japanese Empire stands today —with a strong navy, well-conditioned army, busy shipping, and prosperous industries—with an outlook which the British Empire once had before the false policies of laissez-faire and internationalism affected its vitals, and if for no other reason than that a visit to Japan will tend to call us back to the realities' that lie before us, with all their possibilities, and to do a little more ancestor-worship ourselves, such a visit can be strongly recommended. We shall hot then necessarily, be deflected from our own mission by acts ■of other countries, unwise advice or weak policies, but shall regain in confidence what we may have lost and again continue uninterruptedly our own progress among the nations, and our leadership. "Japan is a beautiful country, with natural features strikingly like those of New Zealand, even to its thermal districts; but it is the human element and its manner of life that will attract most, and here will be found much to interest the thoughtful observer. In the bustle of modern life the national kimono is giving place to Western dress, there is a huge demand . for powder and rouge, and it may not be so-very long before the clatter of the wooden slipper will be heard no more. Japan loves and values trees, the area covered by forests being equal to approximately 50 per cent, of the entire area of the country, and no tree is felled without provision first being made for further plantings. . The Japanese are indeed lovers of Nature, living simply and happily. They have the reputation of honesty in business, and in Japan one need have no fear at any hour of the day or night. Their country is a most pleasant one to visit, and as visits make for understanding and friendship, the more the better. NO "JAPANESE MENACE." "What about . the. alleged Japanese menace! If my opinion is worth anything at all on this matter, I do not believe there is such a thing, and if Australia and New Zealand, provide reasonable defences, remain within the British Empire, and continue to settle the land, increasing their population, there is nothing to fear! Think how Australia and New Zealand have been built during a like period with that of the transition in Japan, with a minimum of labour relatively, and from unpopulated areas; remember the valour of our lads in 1914-18, and Jet us turn pur- thoughts to a .better understanding of a wonderful people. Japan merits credit —great credit —for her attainments; but as one views Auckland or Wellington, Christchurch or Dunedin—all desirable cities—do not forget that not one of these has yet celebrated its centenary. We can give credit to Japan and at the same time keep our own confidence fearlessly."