"Don't bother to introduce me, or refer to me in any way. Don't even look in my direction."

"Okay."

"I am a nonentity. You alone are in charge."

"Okay, fine."

"It'll help to be formal. Stand straight, and keep your suit jacket buttoned at all times. If they bow to you, don't bow back – just give a little head nod. A foreigner will never master the etiquette of bowing. Don't even try."

"Okay," I said.

"When you start to deal with the Japanese, remember that they don't like to negotiate. They find it too confrontational. In their own society they avoid it whenever possible."

"Okay."

"Control your gestures. Keep your hands at your sides. The Japanese find big arm movements threatening. Speak slowly. Keep your voice calm and even."

"Okay."

"If you can."

"Okay."

"It may be difficult to do. The Japanese can be irritating. You'll probably find them irritating tonight. Handle it as best you can. But whatever happens, don't lose your temper."

"All right."

"That's extremely bad form."

"All right," I said.

Connor smiled. "I'm sure you'll do well," he said. "You probably won't need my help at all. But if you get stuck, you'll hear me say 'Perhaps I can be of assistance.' That will be the signal that I'm taking over. From that point on, let me do the talking, I'd prefer you not speak again, even if you are spoken to directly by them. Okay?"

"Okay."

"You may want to speak, but don't be drawn out."

"I understand."

"Furthermore, whatever I do, show no surprise. WhateverI do."

"Okay."

"Once I take over, move so that you're standing slightly behind me and to my right. Never sit. Never look around. Never appear distracted. Remember that although you come from an MTV video culture, they do not. They are Japanese. Everything you do will have meaning to them. Every aspect of your appearance and behavior will reflect on you, on the police department, and on me as your superior and sempai."