Dotombori Theatre Street, Osaka, Japan, Stereoview, Townspeople Flags Card For Sale

This street runs parallel with the Dotombori canal; hence its formal name. No wonder they often call it Theatre Street, for almost every building in sight is devoted either to the drama or to shows and entertainments of one sort and another. At night, when all those lanterns are lighted and musicians are playing by the entrances, and crowds of chattering Japanese are moving back and forth exchanging local gossip and discussing their favorite actors, it is one of the liveliest places in all Osaka.

You see a variety of costumes even now; bare-legged workmen are not uncommon. Notice that some of the approaching citizens wear sandals strapped on their bare feet—some indulge in the refinement of cloth stockings with the great toe separated from the other toes so as to hold a sandal strap securely. It is a disappointment that one does not find Osaka people carrying European umbrellas instead of their own picturesque ones made of bamboo and paper? That is only one of the thousand ways in which the customs of the country are being modified and made like those of the West. Do you see the tall poles for telegraph wires? Did you ever dream what an enormous number of wires Osaka is using through this one street? You are in the heart of one of the largest, busiest and richest cities in the whole empire. There are great factories here and quantities of Osaka-made goods (especially tooth-brushes) are exported to Europe and America. During recent years fine cotton-mills have been established.

In many of these theatres the stage is large and the scenery and costumes admirable. Some of the classic tragedies of Japan many give farce-comedies and variety shows. A single performance often lasts from 10 A.M. to 10 P.M., refreshments being served to the audience between the acts.

Condition:
The card appears in good vintage condition with light typical wear from age, consistent with a 1904 stereoview. Both images remain clear, and the text is fully readable.