The following are some of the precepts of our Masonic Law Book which contains the Constitution, Edicts, Uniform Code of By-Laws, Regulations, Decisions and Opinions adopted and approved by the Grand Lodge of the Japan and the Ancient Landmarks, Usage and Customs. It is suggested that the following be read from time to time for the information and guidance of all concerned:

1. Duties of the Worshipful Master

1. To preside at all the meetings of his Lodge;
2. To confer all degrees in strict accordance with the ritual which has been, or may hereafter be, ordained by the Grand Lodge;
3. To give, in full, the lectures appertaining to each degree, at the time it is conferred, in accordance with such ritual; Provided, that upon authority of a dispensation from the Grand Master, upon the condition that the candidate shall receive the same, in open Lodge, on a subsequent occasion;
4. To examine the record of proceedings at each meeting of his Lodge, when fairly transcribed by the Secretary, and if found correct, subscribe his approval thereof;
5. To superintend the official acts of all the officers of the Lodge and see that their respective duties are properly discharged;
6. To carefully guard against any infraction, by the members of his Lodge, of its own By-Laws, of the Constitution or Regulations of the Grand Lodge, or of the General Regulations,of Masonry.

From the decisions of the Master there shall be no appeal to the Lodge; but objections to such decisions may be laid before the Grand Master and by him dealt with in the manner provided in Art, II, Part VI.
In all cases of a tie vote, except votes by ballot, the Master, in addition to his proper vote, may have the casting vote.
In addressing the Lodge, it is suggested that the Master be in a standing position as a matter of politeness and courtesies to his Lodge and its members.

2. Opening of a Lodge

1. Stations and all places should be filled and occupied from the opening until the closing of the Lodge.
2. Display Lodge Charter and Working Tools.
3. Do not forget the Flag Ceremonies.

3. Tyler — Duties of the Tyler to be strictly enforced:

1. Require Brethren to sign the Tyler's Book before they enter the Lodge.
2. See that they are properly clad and apron is worn in the proper manner.
3. Report to the Master any visitor or visitors before Lodge is opened. It is proper for the Master to invite visitors to sit in the Lodge, if they are in good standing.
4. Do not permit any brother to enter the Lodge during the opening and closing ceremonies and during the obligation of a candidate.
5. Do not admit any visiting brother unless he is known to him or properly vouched for. If in doubt, consult the Worshipful Master.
6. Do not admit any brother who is in a state of intoxication.
7. Admit brethren who arrive late at a meeting without alarm at the door, if they be known to him, but always inform them in what degree the Lodge is open to enable them to give the proper sign.
8. Keep the Lodge tyled even if it is at refreshment.
9. Give the proper alarm at the door when the Grant Master or Lodge Inspector desires to visit the Lodge. Both Officers should always be received with Grand Honors when visiting Lodge.

4. Visiting a Lodge

1. The right to visit Masonically is not an absolute one, but a favor which any lawful Mason, in good standing, has the right to ask, but which the Lodge may refuse.
2. The Master, at any time, in his discretion, may request visitors to require and they should do so when private affairs of the Lodge are under discussion.
3. Before Lodge is opened, as a matter of courtesy, visitors should ask the Master if they would be permitted to sit in the Lodge.
4. No visiting brethren should enter the Lodge without reporting to the Tyler and only with the permission of the Worshipful Master in the East. It is proper that visitors should be announced and introduced in the Lodge. In appreciation of their visits the Secretary should write to their Lodges informing them of such visit by their members.
5. Visitors should show their dues cards when requested by the Tyler. No member who has been suspended or expelled is entitled to visit any Lodge.

5. Entering or Retiring from a Lodge

1. Every Mason should always give the proper due guard and sign at the Altar on entering or retiring from the Lodge. The Master can give permission at the opening of the Lodge that in an emergency, in order not to disturb the proceedings of the Lodge, the sign can be given in the West toward the East.
2. The Master or Senior should nod as acknowledgement of their saluting the East.

VI. In the Lodge

When a brother enters the Lodge, he is expected to observe proper decorum and conduct himself with due order and propriety, so;

1. He should avoid moving from place to place or making unnecessary noise, especially during the Degree work.
2. He should not indulge in conversation with others.
3. He should not read newspapers, books, etc.
4. he should not smoke during the opening and closing ceremonies and during the Degree work.
5. He should not display or read the Monitor in open Lodge or during any Degree work, except when reading the Charge to a candidate.
6. He should not go out during the obligation of the candidate and closing ceremonies.
7. He should not retire without permission of the Worshipful Master in the East.
8. He should not cross the space between the Altar and the East when the Lodge is open.
9. During the Lecture he should remain quiet and listen to the one delivering it.
10. He should know how to salute the Flag.
11. Members shall always observe the Rules of order during business meetings.
12. He should at all times conduct himself as befits a gentleman and Mason.

7. Ritual

1. The Masonic Ritual of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of Japan is the only authorized monitor to be used in the subordinate lodges under the jurisdiction of the Grand Lodge of Japan.
2. The instructions contained in the monitor must be strictly observed and followed. No innovation will be allowed.
3. Every Lodge should hold periodic schools of instruction for the perfection of the opening and closing ceremonies, as well as the Degree Work among the officers and for those conferring degrees.
4. Every Master Mason should possess the monitor if he wants to learn the ritualistic work.

8. Degree Work

1. Conferrals must be conducted in the most dignified, efficient, and impressive manner in order to instruct and impress the candidate.
2. Only Brethren who are proficient in the ritualistic work should be given the opportunity to participate in the work. Entered Apprentice or Fellowcraft are permitted and encouraged to participate in those degrees which they may attend, as long as the memory work for participation does not interfere with their proficiency examinations in open Lodge.
3. Coaching from the sidelines during conferrals can be very distracting to the degree work. The Master should designate one or two Brethren to be the principal coaches, and the coaching should be very discreet so that the assistance will not distract from the dignity of the ceremony.
4. The Charge may be read. However, a Charge which is given from memory is far more impressive.
5. Lectures should be delivered in the most efficient and impressive manner. They may be given by any Master Mason designated by the Master and in his presence.

9. Prohibitions

1. No Lodge shall advance any candidate to a higher degree until after a strict examination in open Lodge, in which he shall have given satisfactory evidence that he is proficient in the degree he has already taken.
2. No Lodge or member shall request or permit any candidate for the degrees to furnish refreshments for the Lodge at any time during the period that he shall be receiving the degrees.
3. No Lodge shall enter any float or be represented in any parade, civic procession, pageant or fair of any kind. Funeral processions to conduct a Brother to his resting place is allowed.
4. No Lodge shall admit any visitor without due inquiry or examination, or unless properly vouched for.
5. DO NOT GREET A BROTHER BY THE TRUE GRIP OF A MASTER MASON.

10. Attendance

It is desirable for members to attend all stated or special meetings of their Lodge. A member can not expect to get out of masonry any more than he is willing to put into his Lodge efforts. A member actually has an obligation to actively help in the lodge work if for no other reason than due respect to those members who contributed their time to make it possible for him to receive the degrees.