THE MAINICHI NEWSPAPERS

The early Showa years are a time of deep economic recession. The Ginza "scene" is dominated by young people known as "Mobo" and "Moga," an abbreviation of the English "modern boy" or "modern girl." With close-cropped hair, rounded hats, slim shoulders and thick lipstick, plus an English dictionary in the handbag, the youngsters frequent the cafes, dance halls and movie theaters. As if to keep pace, the telephone booth changes style to the modern "box."