Japanese nationals in China, from the flag-bedecked streets of Hongkew to the snow-blanketed battlefields of Anhwet, Honan and Shansi, yesterday solemnly observed Empire Day.
This year's festivities had an enhanced significance, since they marked both the 2,598th anniversary of the accession of Emperor Jimmu, Japan's first ruler, to the Throne and the 50th anniversary of the primulgation of the Constitution.
Local celebrations were started with. religious ceremonies aboard the cruiser Idzumo and in the headquarters of the Special Naval Landing Party, followed by similar rites in the Shanghai Shinto Shrine, Kiangwan Road. at 11 o'clock in the morning.
Crowded to capacity with local Japanese residents, the Shrine compound presented an impressive sight. as the Rising Sun flag slowly rose to the masthead to the singing of the national anthem. Following bows in the direction of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo, the assembly heard a message of felicitations from Mr. Masusaburo Amano, Presiden of the Japanese Residents' Corporation, and sang Empire Day songs.
Foreign warships in port were dressed in honour of the day and all Japanese business houses flew the national flag.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.