ABSTRACT
The Japanese are famous the world over for their politeness and courtesy; they are a nation of good manners, and, for this and other qualities, have been styled "the French of the Orient." From morning to night, from the cradle to the grave, the entire life is characterized by unvarying gentleness and politeness in word and act. Many of the expressions and actions are mere formalities, it is true; but they have, by centuries of hereditary influence,
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 ? "
