10. Quiet Amusement
In spite of the general joy and happiness visible everywhere, one is struck by the quiet, unobtrusive way in
which the Japanese take their pleasure. There is no noisy rioting, no boisterous games, no drunken revelers or
screaming children. In fact, the sounds of merriment are so musical that one would miss the sibilant laughter and
the happy chatter, which seems to accord with the beauty and sunshine everywhere. How lovable they are to each
other at this season; not in the Western fashion truly, of smothering each other with kisses, but in a gentle,
quiet way. Many a doorway is framed with three or four sweet little maids, their arms entwined about each other,
watching the flying jinrikishas, the antics of some clown or juggler, the processions,
or the younger children at their games. Sometimes quite big girls will join in these games and seem to enjoy them
as much as the children.
