Under such unpromising conditions trips are decidedly "off" and the passing hours are beguiled, either by watching the rain-drops running down the panes, the while an attempt to translate "Wait till the clouds roll by" into Japanese, is being made, or in rambles in the always-interesting streets, where there is ever something new and interesting to be seen. Invariably when interested in some object or industrial process, along comes some polite stranger who explains just how the "wheels go round" and as they obtain no tangible benefit from their efforts, the reason for this kindly interest in the alien must be attributed to the innate polite kindliness of the Japanese People.
Oura-machi
But yesterday the pilgrim sat, enjoying a cup of tea and a chat the while he watched the deft fingers of a Japanese miss, making a Panama hat out of paper. Everything about these hats with the exception of the silk outer and leather inner band, is made of paper and capital hats they are too, an examination of the finished product revealing little or no difference, beyond the name of the maker and stamp of the storekeeper who sold it, from the one worn by the pilgrim, and which had parted him from 20 dollars Mex.
Hitherto the pilgrim has assumed that the palm for an impressive, dignified bearing, lay between a New York Policeman and a savage wearing his first pair of boots. However, a close study of the Japanese junsa-san from various angles has resulted in a considerable modification of this impression. In Japan, Mr. Junsa is some person, whose admonitions are accorded a respectful hearing. He would be a very bold man indeed, that would presume to take liberties with junsa-san.
Judge then with what unholy glee, the pilgrim viewed a struggle between such awesome dignity and a commendable discretion, in which the former was irretrievably shattered.
Suishi-bashi
A sudden squall accompanied by a heavy shower compelled the Pilgrim to seek refuge in a large foreign store. Safely ensconced therein and surrounded by innumerable pots, cans, bottles and packages bearing such familiar legends as "Colman's Mustard - won't wash clothes.” Crosse & Blackwells, for marking linen, "Keating's Powder, worth, a guinea a box," &c., &c., which seemed somehow to bridge the gap 'twixt Cipango and Albion and the old, familiar labels seemed somehow like letters from home.
Kannai-machi
Looking through the open door at the general scatter for shelter, at the corner of the bridge, across the creek, stood Junsa-san who with rain-coat and hood, stood supremely contemptuous of wind or rain. A truly inspiring sight. Reminiscenses of Casablanca and the picture of the Pompeian sentry, entitled "Faithful unto Death" flashed across the pilgrim's mental retina; what were they to this, he enquired of himself? Cas. didn't rump overboard because he couldn't swim, was afraid of sharks, or sumthin'; while the sentry, well, he kept under cover as there were bricks, hot ashes, and other unpleasant things coming down, promiscuous like and even a doorway was better than nothing. But Junsa-san; here was indeed, a case of true courage combined with a dignity that was awful. For him no retirement, nay, not even into the little wooden hut provided for such occasions.
Dejima
But alas! A sudden gust completely ruined the film, necessitating a "retake," so to speak. The hood of his cape blew inside out and junsa-san's gilt-badged kepi went careeing up the street, dodging, as if controlled by some perverse imp, the frequent but futile grabs made at it by its owner. The climax arrived when junsa-san's sword got entangled between his legs it was then, like Lucifer, he fell, wallop!
Dejima(?)
Many curious industries are to be found in this interesting town. On returning to the base Between the showers, the following cryptic signboard was noticed. As an evidence of bona fides and a little free advertisement to a, possibly canny advertiser, it may be said that this signboard is within a stone's-throw of the Belle View Hotel. The passer by is duly informed that:—
"FOREIGN AND JAPANESEIUMS CHARCOAL AND CARTE POSTALES"
are to be had on application within, but immediately requiring neither, insofar as he was aware, although he has still grave doubts as to what kind of a bird a "Japaneseiums" is, the Pilgrim passed on his way.
Yama-no-Kuchi-Machi
Doubtless, the sign was absurd, but are not some of the Occidental ones just as incorrect when it comes down to a fine point?
Kencho
For example :— "John Jones, Boot-maker" would lead one to think that John spent the whole of his life turning out one complete boot, and the intelligent stranger would conclude that "Boots Maker" was the correct term.
City Hall
These are among the many things which "no fella' can understand."
"Tooth-brush, again, for example. Why in all conscience, not teeth brush, as sorely, it is used to clean the lot. But in this line of speculation there is no end.
Maruyama - the Y.M.C.A.
Katana-ya
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