Page:A handbook of modern Japan (IA handbookofmodern01clem).pdf/94

it is not so convenient as the European costume; but it is altogether too charming to be entirely discarded, and, with some modification, might well be adopted in other lands. At court, the European costume is generally used; the frock coat and evening dress have become common ceremonial garbs; and silk hats, gloves, and canes also have become fashionable. The efforts of the Japanese to adopt Western customs and to conform to the usages of the Occident in matters of dress are sometimes quite amusing to those who witness them.^[1]

Chamberlain affirms that "cleanliness is one of the few original items of Japanese civilization." Surely their practice of frequent bathing ought to have brought them to that stage which is considered "next to godliness." A bathroom is commonly an important part of the house; but if a room is not available for that purpose, a bathtub outdoors will do, or the public bath-houses afford every facility at a very small charge. Necessary exposure of the person in connection with bathing is not considered immodest; but, in large cities at least, the two sexes are no longer permitted to bathe together promiscuously. The hot baths, with water at about 110° F., are generally unendurable by foreigners. The latter,

1. ↑ For instance, "such an attire as Japanese clogs, flannel drawers, swallow-tail coat, and opera hat" has been seen; and another witness testifies to the "oddest mixtures of evening dress and bathing suits, naked legs with a blouse and a foreign hat, high boots with a kimono, legs and head Asiatic with trunk European, or vice versa, with endless combinations and variations." There is a great variety, with all kinds of fits and misfits.