CAFE PRACTICES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 December 1938, Page 6

CAFE PRACTICES

ELIMINATION OF AMERICANISMS IN JAPAN. A resolution to eliminate or al least to restrict “petty Americanisms” was a feature of the deliberations of a gathering of the cafe proprietors of Japan which lias just been held at Nagoya. Responding to the constant, prodding of the police on these points, the cafe owners agreed to restrict gaudy neon advertisings signs, to observe earlier closing hours, and to place some limitations on the incessant phonograph playing which is characteristic of the Japanese cafe. It was also recommended that, such advertising promotion, methods as the free distribution of matches and trinkets should be discontinued. The assembled cafe proprietors agreed that such innovations as the phonograph, the short skirt, and the neon sign could not bo abolished altogether.

Seme of the delegates, however, denounced in strong terms the smoking of cigarettes by cafe waitresses and the tendency of some of the latter to “imitate Hollywood cinema actressc:: in such a manner as to cause violent physical nausea.” The convention laid down a four point, standard of behaviour for waitresses, which is supposed to be in keeping with the present ‘emergency period." The four points are as follows: — (I) Although cafe owners do not object furiously to permanent waves, waitresses should remember that thei.’ first requisite is to bo becoming as Japanese women.

(2) Waitresses must not smoke. (3) New dresses should be purchased only when this is absolutely necessary. (4) Girls shall be compelled to learn the subjects necessary for the cultivation of womanhood.