Many of the customs that developed from the particular climate, food and surroundings of the country are naturally strange to other peoples who grew up amidst their own and different circumstances.
With the sincere hope of helping foreigners to understand better the Japanese way of life, this collection of brief articles has been compiled.
This pamphlet merely claims to answer a large number of the oft-repeated questions put to me, working as a travel information bureau, J.T.B. (Jimmy's Travel Bureau) at R.E.R.F., with so long an association, and with contancts of charming people from all over the world, has taught me most what people really wish to know about Japan.
Some of the articles are reprints of articles I submitted and accepted for publication in the "Hiroshima Signpost", published by the Hiroshima International school during the past 5 years. Others are collection of clippings previously published in newspapers and magazines which I thought would be of interest to newcomers to the foundation.
To explain our mode of thinking and living habits to other peoples, especially in a foreign tongue, is no easy task, but it is hoped that this collection will serve to clear up some of the "mysteries" of the Japanese life and I hope to have offered to my friends what I believe will be a valuable compendium to the study of living in Hiroshima.