Japanese multiplication! Did you know? (Math Trick)

Here is an interesting method to visualize multiplication that reduces it to simple counting! Draw sets of parallel lines representing each digit of the first number to be multiplied (the multiplicand, see figs. 1 and 2 further below). Draw sets of parallels, perpendicular to the first sets of parallels, corresponding to each digit of the second number (the multiplier). Put dots where each line crosses another line. On the left corner, put a curved line through the wide spot with no points. Do the same wit