Page:Tales from old Japanese dramas (1915).djvu/15



EOPLE in England and America probably do not realize what a large part is played by the Theatre in the life of the Japanese people. This volume will help to give them some idea of it; and, as a nation, like an individual, reveals perhaps more of its true self in its amusements than in the serious business of life, a perusal of these pages, giving as they do an idea of the stories which appeal most strongly to the taste of the Japanese public, may help towards a wider understanding of the Japanese national character. The hold which the classical drama still exercises on the theatre-goers of Japan may come as a surprise to many, but should provide a strong link of sympathy to the country from which Shakepeare's genius sprung. In recommending this short history of the Japanese stage from the earliest times down to the present day, to all who are interested in the evolution of the drama