6. GEOGRAPHY. NEWSPAPERS AND NOVELS.--The largest section of Japanese
literature is that treating of the local geography of the country itself.
These works are minute in detail and of great length, describing events
and monuments of historic interest.

Before the recent revolution bat one newspaper existed in Japan, but at
present the list numbers several hundred. Freedom of the press is unknown,
and fines and imprisonment for violation of the stringent laws are very
frequent.

Novels constitute a large section of Japanese literature. Fairy tales and
story books abound. Many of them are translated into English; "The Royal
Ronans" and other works have recently been published in New York.

Medical science was borrowed from China, but upon this, as upon other
matters, the Japanese improved. Acupuncture, or the introduction of
needles into the living tissues for remedial purposes, was invented by the
Japanese, as was the moxa, or the burning of the flesh for the same
purpose.

7. POSITION OF WOMAN.--Women in Japan are treated with far more respect
and consideration than elsewhere in the East. According to Japanese
history the women of the early centuries were possessed of more
intellectual and physical vigor, filling the offices of state and
religion, and reaching a high plane of social dignity and honor. Of the
one hundred and twenty-three Japanese sovereigns, nine have been women.
The great heroine of Japanese history and tradition was the Empress Jingu,
renowned for her beauty, piety, intelligence, and martial valor, who,
about 200 A.D., invaded and conquered Corea.