Japanese residences were strictly monitored by the Government.

Members of a commission that is mediating the talks entered the Japanese residence just before noon today but after an hour they left without comment.

Meanwhile, mediators said the Government and the guerrillas met for several hours today to discuss freeing 72 hostages being held inside the Japanese residence.

This is a precious opportunity to visit and observe traditional Japanese residences of Kyoto.

Today, tsubo-niwa are found in many Japanese residences, hotels, restaurants, and public buildings.

Government and guerrilla representatives met for about 45 minutes this evening at a house across the street from the Japanese residence.

On Sunday, dozens of other commandos took up positions in houses neighboring the Japanese residence.

There was no immediate response from the rebels, who are holding their hostages at the Japanese Ambassador's residence.

The whole suite of galleries is envisioned as one space opening into another, as in a Japanese residence.

With the siege of the Japanese Ambassador's residence, his visiting privileges - 30 minutes with two people once a month - have been suspended.