Trivia

A Moxa treatment refers to the burning of an herb called moxa (aka mugwort) on, or directly above, the skin. Recipients of the treatment generally didn't like the burning sensation on their skin, although this was supposed to enhance circulation and lymphatic flow. Also, the scent of moxa is believed to have a soothing, relaxing effect, which would have been important to counteract the skin irritation.

The long thin pipes with the tiny bowls that are seen throughout the film are Kiseru, introduced long ago into high society, such as Buddhist priests, wealthy merchants and samurai. Kiseru were status symbols and sometimes took on intricate designs made from precious metals. Their use was the primary way to smoke tobacco prior to the popularity of cigarettes in the mid-1800s, but continued in use to maintain culture. The characters in the film are often seen turning the Kiseru upside-down and banging them over the rim of a container, which was the way to knock the burnt tobacco out of the bowl prior to repacking it with fresh tobacco.

The game of 'Japanese chess' that is being played is called Shogi, and is similar in nature to the modern western version of chess. Instead of little figurines, the pieces are tiles with kanji written on them to denote the status/rank of each piece. They represent kings, horses, dragons and soldiers, having different status corresponding to the nature their movement. Again like western chess, the goal is to checkmate the opponent's king. Different from western chess, the Shogi board is 9-by-9 (versus 8-by-8) and a captured piece reverts to the side of the capturing player instead of being removed from the board.

This film is part of the Criterion Collection, spine #232.

Inspired by the film by The Barker (1928), directed by George Fitzmaurice.