Stage right and left, or . . .

Hum. Apparently the conventions for stage directions in Japan are rather simple.

Kami-te, which means heavenward (the kanji also means skillful) is to the right side from the audience position. House right, or Stage left, as I learned it. But the interpretation is usually given from the guest (audience) position in Japanese.

Shimo-te, which means groundward (the kanji also means unskillful and awkward) is to the left side from the audience position. House left, or Stage right.

A simplified diagram (since I don't want to mess with trying to draw a picture :-)

Stage

下手　－－－　上手
shimote (left)                  kamite (right)
Audience

There are various comments about the high-ranking boxes being to the right and the musicians to the left, but I'd be willing to bet those came later.