Selected Pages from Engei shashin Volume 3, Number 1, January 1924

IHL Cat. #2740

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Preface Translation

A Happy New Year!

The golden fukujusō flowers [Adonis flowers] begin to bloom and the warblers are captivated by the color and fragrance of the red plum blossoms, their chirping sounds are delightful. On New Year's Day, kadomatsu decorations line up, the shichi-go-san ornaments are displayed, and the sounds of hanetsuki [shuttlecock] and tori-oi [female street musician], with the low voices of manzai [a comedic form] performers, rise to laughter in the background. Truly, the joy of early spring is celebrated across Japan, in every corner of the land. Everyone shares toso wine [rice wine steeped with herbs] in celebration, unchanged in this era of peace, as we watch the Hinomaru flag, shining in the morning sun, waving in the wind, symbolizing the prosperity of the reign.

The Engei Shashin magazine, which has received your continued patronage, has swiftly passed its second year and entered its third. We are delighted to see that our esteemed readers remain loyal, and we have received many New Year subscriptions as in previous years. The joy we feel when receiving these subscriptions is like the long-handled choshi pouring sake in a traditional san-san-kudo ceremony, bringing immense happiness. The editor's desk is piled high with greeting cards, resembling the peaks of Mount Fuji.

Looking forward to the New Year, we are proud to present a special feature on the timeless tale of Chūshingura, deeply rooted in the spirit of bushidō, which continues to bloom in our beloved Japan. From the grand opening act to the dramatic climax every scene has been faithfully reproduced with unparalleled precision using vivid offset printing. We will include these scenes, one print each month, inserted into our magazine. Beyond that, the colorful world of kabuki theater awaits, bridging east and west. Not only the famous eighteen acts [jūhachiban] performed by actors from both sides of the country but also films that captivate young men, ladies, and children, from the producers Shōchiku and Teikine to Western stars like "fatty" [Roscoe Fatty Arbuckle], Charlie Chaplin, Ruth Rolandd and Mary Pickford. With Anna Pavlova’s glamorous dance routines and the humorous Soga Monogatari by the Soganoya troupe we have something to offer everyone.

We deeply appreciate the tireless efforts of our staff, who have worked like a well-oiled machine to bring these to you, our valued members, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to all of you for your continued support.

And now, we conclude with New Year’s greetings.