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the opinion of the samurai of old Japan the first step to the upbuilding of the physical body lay in the direction of choosing a sound, sensible diet. This did not mean a diet in which meats and condiments figured largely. Unlike the Chinese, the Japanese seldom cared for meat, even when they could well afford it. In fact, meat has but little vogue among the natives of Japan to-day.

In 1899 the Emperor appointed a commission to investigate for determination as to whether it would be advisable to take steps that would bring about taller and bulkier physique among his subjects. The Japanese are notably smaller than their brethren of Europe and of America; and the Emperor had a passing notion that his