ABSTRACT
The Japanese are highly emotional but early acquire the habit of suppressing evidences of their deep-seated emotion, and encase themselves in an armor of inscrutability impossible of penetration by the Westerner. The English language has many expletives—and they fill a useful function, but in Japanese swear words are practically non-existent, which would indicate that in that language no provision is made for the expression of emotions of anger. Superstitions about dates, like those concerning directions, exercise a vast influence upon the Japanese people. The classes of people who are most superstitious are those who are engaged in professions which involve a large element of chance, such as geisha, wrestlers, gamblers and variety show actors. Japanese regard self-control as the highest of the virtues and from time immemorial self-control has emanated from the Zen Sect of Buddhism down through the masses. The Japanese also believe their physiognomy has a great deal to do with determining their career.
