Mellow-Denshokan Site English version - ????? - Database for Things - [ A Living Ware ] https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?forum_id=2 Fri, 10 Apr 2026 02:42:39 +0900 http://backend.userland.com/rss/ A Household Lamp Shade for Air Defense (by Anmitsu-hime) https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=203 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=203 　　　(folded)A dimout was issued from the beginning of the war in December 1941 to the end of the war in 1945, every day　from the sunset until the sunrise.The purpose of the dimout was to avoid attacks from the enemy planes, exti ... Wed, 08 Aug 2007 23:25:15 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware 　

　(folded)




A dimout was issued from the beginning of the war in December 1941 to the end of the war in 1945, every day　from the sunset until the sunrise.
The purpose of the dimout was to avoid attacks from the enemy planes, extinguishing or sheltering all light.

There were two kinds of the electric bulb for the dimout, for home-use and shop-use.
The home-use bulb was painted without the vase, so it can illuminate just downwards.
The bulb for shop-use was painted only on the half side of the bulb.

When the air alert warning sounded, at our houses, we covered the lamp shade with black cloth for not shining through.

　This household lamp shade, made of cardboard,
　can be folded in three stages. Usually we use this
　folded and in the case of sheltering lights we unfold
　it by removing hooks.



This lamp shade belongs to the proprietor of the Suikouen ryokan, a Japanese-style hotel which is located in the Sumata-kyo spa in Shizuoka Prefecture.
]]> Re: Eight-sole sandals https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=118 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=118 Hello, Mikipapa-san -Welcome to the Mellow Denshoukan!Quote:Do you know hemp-backing straw sandals? Leaving it for a while, Hemp-backing straw sandals? No, I don't know. What kind of footwear were they? Your advice is welcome. Hemp fabrics are durable and ... Mon, 18 Jul 2005 15:26:34 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
Welcome to the Mellow Denshoukan!
Quote:
Do you know hemp-backing straw sandals? Leaving it for a while,
Hemp-backing straw sandals? No, I don't know. What kind of footwear were they? Your advice is welcome. Hemp fabrics are durable and firm, aren't they? I recall jute sacks containing rice. Was hemp fabricated similarly used?
Quote:
They were the cheapest footwear at that time (as straw sandals made in countryside were not for sale).
Footwear like straw sandals was not sold at footwear shops but at general shops, was it? When I wore the sandals at my place of wartime evacuation, a general shop sold them at the front, threading them together by a hung rope. New ones were light and comfortable. My experiences were in or about 1945.
Quote:
The sandals are made of the cheapest tatami mat surface, willow twigs stitched on it, and chunks of wood nailed up on them. You will be able to see the real things at Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectual Museum in Koganei Park.
Willow twigs are to give flexibility, aren't they? I have real things but I've believed that they were cut bamboos.
Three things like chop-sticks in thickness are inserted. They should be willow twigs. Now that you mention it, they are similar to the material of willow basket trunks.(^^;
Quote:
They made unique noises at walking but no one did care about them.
They thought it was natural that walking makes noises, I guess. "Karan-koron" representing the noise from geta clogs will go out of current expression, though the generation that liked to read "Ge-ge-ge no Kitarou" may understand it.
Quote:
From Mikipapa, a little knowledgeable person for clogs, sandals and the like.
Footwear, one of the bare necessities has changed completely, and I wish old wisdom for everyday life be recorded without fail. I'm looking forward to your continued writing, Mikipapa-san.

Karei


]]> Re: Eight-sole sandals https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=108 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=108 Hello, Mikipapa-san!Did you produce "hemp backing straw sandals" exclusively among footwear for "wholesaling hemp-backing straw sandals"?Searching for "hemp-backing straw sandals", I learned that they are "sandals of straw surface with round hemp plaits s ... Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:50:45 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
Did you produce "hemp backing straw sandals" exclusively among footwear for "wholesaling hemp-backing straw sandals"?

Searching for "hemp-backing straw sandals", I learned that they are "sandals of straw surface with round hemp plaits stitched on the back." Are they a kind of leather-soled sandals? Um...

Don't you call them leather-soled sandals that dashing youths hitching up the bottom of kimono in white socks slip on at festivals?
Quote:
They were the cheapest footwear at that time (as straw sandals made in countryside were not for sale).
Straw sandals and the like were hand-made by every farmers. And the eight-sole sandals were the cheapest among footwear. I understand.
Quote:
The sandals are made of the cheapest tatami mat surface, willow twigs stitched on it, and chunks of wood nailed up on them.
H'm, I suspect that nail heads might come out when the sandals were worn. Does long time endurance of the backing wood chunks mean that the chunks were hard enough?
Quote:
From Mikipapa, a little knowledgeable person for clogs, sandals and the like.
In the thirties of Showa (the 1950's), many ladies were still in Japanese dress. My mother wore kimono many times, and used to conduct fulling with tenterhooks or stretching boards.

On rainy days, she put on high clogs attaching toe-covers to keep toes dry.

The supports of high clogs were taller than ordinary ones and some skill was needed for walking.

We seldom see the high clogs today. Nowadays in 21st century, footwear of vinyl for covering sandals is available. It's convenient but isn't so attractive.

Anmitsu-Hime

]]> Re: Eight-sole sandals https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=107 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=107 Having entered this forum now, I'm writing this comment without knowing how to write.I (Mikipapa) am 71 years old now. I was born and grown up before the war in a house of "wholesaling hemp-backing straw sandals" in Hyogo Prefecture.Do you know hemp-backi ... Sun, 17 Jul 2005 21:47:02 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
I (Mikipapa) am 71 years old now. I was born and grown up before the war in a house of "wholesaling hemp-backing straw sandals" in Hyogo Prefecture.

Do you know hemp-backing straw sandals? Leaving it for a while, my house sold eight-sole sandals too of course.

They were the cheapest footwear at that time (as straw sandals made in countryside were not for sale).

The sandals are made of the cheapest tatami mat surface, willow twigs stitched on it, and chunks of wood nailed up on them. You will be able to see the real things at Edo-Tokyo Open Air Architectual Museum in Koganei Park.

In around 15th year of Showa (1930) before the war, apprentices of shops were given them to wear. Advantages of them were that foot could stay dry at water places, the life was long as the wood backings didn't wear out easily, materials used were cheap, and so on. They made unique noises at walking but no one did care about them. The thongs were made of the cheapest white cotton with straws wrapped in it. They were such things that present people will suffer from abrasion by thorn as soon as they use them.

They couldn't be found after the war. There should have been no materials of willow twigs and wood backing. As high-grade goods, sandals of bicycle tire scrap backing and rubber sandals were popular in place of sandals of hemp backing.

We called them "eight-cuts". They are good old footwear.

From Mikipapa, a little knowledgeable person for clogs, sandals and the like.

]]> A savings-box made from bamboo (by Pan) https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=106 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=106 In our childhood, there were many bamboo products used regularly in our daily life just like straw items.This is because a lot of bamboo grew around us.Apart from works by professional craftsmen, there were many bamboo items, which we made ourselves.Recen ... Sun, 17 Jul 2005 17:09:54 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware This is because a lot of bamboo grew around us.
Apart from works by professional craftsmen, there were many bamboo items, which we made ourselves.

Recently, I have tried to make some of these items from memory.
Anyone can make them easily.　
All you need to do is cut down a bamboo from a bamboo grove.
First of all, I will tell you how to make a savings-box, which you can make in just a few minutes.

At first, cut down a bamboo and at that time, you should leave the joint in it at both ends, and then a hole is made in the tube in which to insert coins.
If you enlarge the hole a little, a folded note can be put in it.
You can hang it on a nail of a pillar if you make a small hole on the top of the opposite side of this bamboo tube.

The greatest feature of such a savings-box as this, is that you cannot take out the contents unless you break it.

In our childhood, many of us put a little money, which was given to us as a New Year's present into such a box.
And while we were shaking and rattling it, we dreamt happily about what we had wanted to buy for a long time with the money we had saved up in it.

Pan
]]> Re: Eight-sole sandals https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=104 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=104 Hello, Hama-san -Thank you for the information on "eight-sole sandals". When I see the real thing, I quite agree to the expression "to protect their feet". Although others contributed information that they saw factory people in the sandals, no information ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 23:15:51 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
Thank you for the information on "eight-sole sandals". When I see the real thing, I quite agree to the expression "to protect their feet". Although others contributed information that they saw factory people in the sandals, no information that they themselves wore the sandals has been contributed.
Quote:
The above information is based on a story told by my grandfather a carpenter, and for him, being posted by me (as my grandfather doesn't use personal computers). Questions, if any, will be forwarded to him.
The sandals seem to have been used not only before the war but also even after 32nd - 33rd years of Showa (1957 - 1958) in factories. What I'd like to know now is the time when use of them was started. If your grandfather knows anything about that point, I'll be glad to hear from you. Thank you for your posting.

Karei
]]> Re: Eight-sole sandals https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=103 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=103 I'm writing for the first time. My name is Hama.Reading The Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka edition of June 11 and learning that the information is wanted, I'm posting it now.Eight-sole sandals were worn by carpenters and those engaged in iron works in particular. ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 23:13:10 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
Reading The Yomiuri Shimbun Osaka edition of June 11 and learning that the information is wanted, I'm posting it now.

Eight-sole sandals were worn by carpenters and those engaged in iron works in particular. Before the war, as no safety shoes for working were available as they are now, and work places were not so safe in addition, those people put the sandals on to protect their feet.

The above information is based on a story told by my grandfather a carpenter, and for him, being posted by me (as my grandfather doesn't use personal computers). Questions, if any, will be forwarded to him]]> Re: Well pump https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=102 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=102 Refrei-sanQuote:My family used Tsurube to draw water from well.Tsurube is a bamboo pole equipped with wooden pails on both ends.It soon becomes useless when the bottom falls out. I used to expect to have answering echo from well.It was a good memory in my ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 17:09:32 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
Quote:
My family used Tsurube to draw water from well.
Tsurube is a bamboo pole equipped with wooden pails on both ends.
It soon becomes useless when the bottom falls out.
I used to expect to have answering echo from well.
It was a good memory in my childhood.
Right. Well keeps water at constant temperature both in summer and winter.
Draw well, huh.
Mom had it at her old home.
Water was sweet there.

Chilled water melons and Makuwa melons were enjoyed.
Makuwa melons were found only in this website.

I have never seen bottom of wooden pails falling out.

I'm looking forward to your giving me further information.

Marchan
]]> Re: Well pump https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=101 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=101 Quote:kousei wrote:Do you remember a well pump?It reminds me of the sound. When I heard it creaking, I could always find my mother at well. That was usually when she was doing laundry.Then I gave her a hand. Bit surprised, because it was heavier than I ha ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 17:03:29 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
kousei wrote:
Do you remember a well pump?
It reminds me of the sound.
When I heard it creaking, I could always find my mother at well.
That was usually when she was doing laundry.
Then I gave her a hand. Bit surprised, because it was heavier than I had expected.
Valves become lighter as they get old.
It reduces pump displacement.
The number of pump well drastically decreased.

My family used Tsurube to draw water from well.
Tsurube is a bamboo pole equipped with wooden pails on both ends.
It soon becomes useless when the bottom falls out.

I used to expect to have answering echo from well.
It was a good memory in my childhood.
Quote:
My hands remember that well water was relatively warm, even if it was cold outside.
Right. Well keeps water at constant temperature both in summer and winter.

Rifurei


]]> Re: Well pump https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=100 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=100 MarchanI used to live in Yahata(Yawata) of Ichikawa city after I had come back from Korea.At that time, neighbors shared a pump well in the town.My dad liked well water. He said it tastes sweet because it's chlorine-free.As for me, I hate it.It smells lik ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 16:28:07 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
I used to live in Yahata(Yawata) of Ichikawa city after I had come back from Korea.
At that time, neighbors shared a pump well in the town.
My dad liked well water. He said it tastes sweet because it's chlorine-free.
As for me, I hate it.
It smells like rotten eggs, and lets out burps, however, I believe well water in countryside with less houses tastes sweet.

Ragora]]> Re: CREAKING --- The sound of everyday lives https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=99 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=99 Okabeno-sanQuote:Does that make sense?Wow, that's difficult.People in the past make use of this principle in daily life...an empirical fact or what. I guess this explanation is good for junior-high classes rather than for elementary ones.I'd suggest that ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 16:26:36 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware Quote:
Does that make sense?
Wow, that's difficult.
People in the past make use of this principle in daily life...an empirical fact or what.
I guess this explanation is good for junior-high classes rather than for elementary ones.
I'd suggest that someone makes the animation of this mechanism.
It might make it easier for future generations to understand.
Well, thank you for your information.

Marchan]]> Re: CREAKING --- The sound of everyday lives https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=98 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=98 Marchan Quote:I wonder what kind of mechanism it has. Tell me something.It has something to do with negative-pressure, which is less powerful than atmosphere pressure. The creaking point of the pump is fulcrum of the lever. On the end of the lever, it has ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 16:23:16 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware Quote:
I wonder what kind of mechanism it has. Tell me something.
It has something to do with negative-pressure, which is less powerful than atmosphere pressure. The creaking point of the pump is fulcrum of the lever. On the end of the lever, it has a piston connected to shaft. The piston does up-and-down movement inside cylinder with packing inner wall. The piston goes down when lever is up, and vice versa. Well pump is applied the principle of leverage.

The cylinder has valve, which closes when the piston is up.

The under part of the cylinder has a pipe inserted into well hole, and it is underneath water surface. The diameter of a pipe is less than that of a cylinder. This has something to do with Pascals principle.　

When the lever is up, air exists lower part of cylinder is flooded out through circumference of piston or interspace of valve, and when the lever is pushed down swiftly, valve closes and piston goes up. This situation makes well water come up with negative pressure inside pipe, and it gushes from outlet of pump. When you continue making lever up and down, you can get water from well pump as much as you need.

Now let me explain Pump-priming effect.

As you know, up and down movements of lever never works for waters coming out when it is not used for a long time. This is because air inside pipe cant get out since it had already entered into lower part of piston through its circumference or interspace of valve. This makes water level equal inside pipe and well hole.

Priming water fills the space under piston. Then pump well gets back to normal, and spits out water.

By transposing airspace to water, water comes out from pump outlet by negative pressure.

Does that make sense?

Okabeno]]> Re: CREAKING --- The sound of everyday lives https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=97 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=97 Okabeno-sanQuote:Sometimes water never runs even if we pull lever over and over. Thats always the case when we havent used it for a long time.Then how we could pump water up from well?Easy. Just pour water, and keep pulling lever. After a while, you see ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 16:20:45 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware Quote:
Sometimes water never runs even if we pull lever over and over.
Thats always the case when we havent used it for a long time.
Then how we could pump water up from well?
Easy.
Just pour water, and keep pulling lever.
After a while, you see water running over.
It just made sense to me for a word priming water, which is used when something happen through something. I learned it from this experience.

I wonder what kind of mechanism it has. Tell me something.

Marchan]]> Re: COOL IN SUMMER, WARM IN WINTER https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=96 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=96 MarchanQuote:Ice-cold watermelon was ready when I arrived. Well water is suited for chill fruits, while refrigerator sometimes makes them freezing. Quote:Thats one of domestic labor---how backbreaking it was!!People at that time could never use it like w ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 16:12:52 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware Quote:
Ice-cold watermelon was ready when I arrived.
Well water is suited for chill fruits, while refrigerator sometimes makes them freezing.
Quote:
Thats one of domestic labor---how backbreaking it was!!
People at that time could never use it like water.
Clothes are washed only when they get dirty, but now they are washed just because they are worn for once.

Marchan
]]> Re: Housewives' well-side conversation https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=95 https://www2.mellow-club.org/densho_en/modules/d3forum/index.php?post_id=95 Quote:Moms enjoyed parish-pump conversation at the well in certain time of the day. Well, thats how they were networking each other, but in retrospect it was sort of funny.True. We used to see well for common use in my younger days.Villagers spent times ... Sat, 16 Jul 2005 16:02:54 +0900 Database for Things A Living Ware
Moms enjoyed parish-pump conversation at the well in certain time of the day.
Well, thats how they were networking each other, but in retrospect it was sort of funny.
True. We used to see well for common use in my younger days.
Villagers spent times to gather and wash radish for making pickles.

Parish-pump conversation...that I saw often was sometimes for talking bad things about others, but thats not everything. Parish-pump communication was useful in view of sharing wisdom of living, like, tips for making good pickles.

Marchan]]>