JAPAN: Indo-China Weaned

Among Japanese esthetes there is a pretty distinction. On the one hand are those who study purely Japanese culture, lovers of No and Go (respectively formal drama and classical checkers), amateurs of the Thurberesque cartoons of Twelfth-Century Toba Sojo, appreciators of verse by the formal Hitomaro, experts in flower arrangement, tea-brewing and fish-breeding. On the other hand are the assiduous, tough-minded students of Chinese culture, whence sprang the Japanese culture which is now being foisted back on China. The former are generally peace-loving, stay-at-home liberals; the latter are nationalistic fire-eaters.

Unhappiest esthete in Japan last week was Charles Arsene-Henry,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!