Japan anil the Japanese have never bo completely monopolised the attention of the world as at the present time. The stories told of them—the people and the countryhave hitherto been of the " pretty-pretty" type, and they have been indulgently considered as interestirip, though pitiful bur* lesques of Western civilisation. But, as tho French proverb says, " we have changed all that," and the determined character of the Japanese has been forcibly illustrated in the course of the memorable struggle between the great races of the Orient. So near and yet so different, and with all their difference, how absurdly alike. apan has been aptly named the " land of opposites," and truly, if we except the "mimicry of the Occident,"one could hardly have gone astray (a few years back) in reversing in Japan the best established codes of etiquette of England or France. Pierre Lofci, the French novelist, has given in his little book, " Madame Crysanth£me," an insight into Japanese customs. This story of life ashore during the visit of the-French fleet'is instructive as well as interesting, especially as viewed in the light of later events, the Japanese war not being thought of at .the time of its publication. Unfortunately the "opium habit" has to a certain extent established itself in this beautiful country. It is not so prevalent as in China, and it is more than likely that it will give place to a much more healthful and enjoyable pastime. Vanity Fair Cigarettes are establishing themselves , firmly here, as indeed the world over, and already promise to expel ' their predecessors in the cultivated tastes of all the most experienced smokers. ,• ;; ' .... Rksshaw's Monarch of Pain/ From all Chemists and Storekeepers. ... \ ' I
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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9975, 12 November 1895, Page 3
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279Page 3 Advertisements Column 7 New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXII, Issue 9975, 12 November 1895, Page 3
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