THE BOND OF SPORT.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXV, Issue 10230, 8 January 1927, Page 4

THE BOND OF SPORT.

AUSTRALIANS AND THE JAPANESE,

Much has been said and written about- the differences between the East and -the West, Differences there are, and always will he, but human nature lias much in common, east, west, north, or south. Australia is of the West by lace and tradition, even though in geoorapliv she is farther to the east than ‘most of the Far East, Japan is of the ancient East, though m recent vears she has borrowed much from the newer and ofter cruder civilisation of the West. Yet the two nations are finding a common interest in the love of sport (savs the Sydney /' ‘Sun”). Two noted Japanese swimmers, Takaishi -and Saito. are to visit Australia, and Japan has returned the compliment by asking Australia to send a team of six swimmers and a diver to compete in the Pan-Pacific Games in Japan next August. Swimming bids fair to become almost Australia's leading sport in, the coastal areas, and Australia has produced many fine swimmers. Her representatives, however, will find tough opponents in the Japanese, who seem likely to throw out a strong challenge to the Americans at the next Glvtnpie Games. In tennis, too. the Japanese have shown themselves fine players and good sportsmen, and have done credit to themselves in matches against some of Australia's best players. From Japan we have learned the art of jiujitsu, which, whether as a sport and a means of training, or as a form of self-defence, is worth more general attention than it has yet received in Australia. Modern Japan is keenly alive to the necessitv for developing both bodv and brain. She. welcomes scientists and swimmers alike. Aftq r all, modern swimming is itself a science. •