been so far incorporated into the individual and national life as to be a second nature. This trait is one which most deeply impresses all visitors and residents, and concerning which Sir Edwin Arnold has written the following:—
"Where else in the world does there exist such a conspiracy
to be agreeable; such a widespread compact to
render the difficult affairs of life as smooth and graceful
as circumstances admit; such fair decrees of fine behavior
fixed and accomplished for all; such universal restraint
of the coarser impulses of speech and act; such
pretty picturesqueness of daily existence; such lovely
love of nature as the embellisher of that existence; such
sincere delight in beautiful, artistic things; such frank
enjoyment of the enjoyable; such tenderness to little
children; such reverence for parents and old persons;
such widespread refinement of taste and habits; such
courtesy to strangers; and such willingness to please
and to be pleased?"
As stated above, the innate courtesy of the Japanese
manifests itself in every possible way in word and
deed. Thus has been developed an almost perfect
code of etiquette, of polite speech and conduct for
every possible occasion; and while these formalities
are sometimes apparently unnecessary, often even
a cloak for insincerity, and also a waste of time in
this practical age, we cannot but lament the decadence
of Japanese manners.
Another prominent and prevailing element of Japanese civilization is simplicity. The people have the simplicity of nature to such an extent that the
