A few hours later, they arrived at the Kyoto international airport. They left the terminal and a limousine, a symbol of his father’s status, greeted them. Kai figured his dad had arranged pick up by a limousine so the two could go tour Kyoto in style.

A few minutes later, they arrived at their splendid hotel. After arrangements were made Kai and his father went into the elevator and began their ascent. They arrived at the fourth floor and stroll towards their hotel room. Room 426 it read. They entered and unpacked their bags.

"So what are we going to do, father?" Kai asked. "I’m incredibly tired."

Kai’s father opened one of the bags and pulled out a nice black suit.

"Try it on. We’re going to dinner with some good friends of mine so we must look our best."

Kai went into the bathroom with the suit. While he was changing into his suit Kai wondered. It was odd; his father never spoke of good friends from Japan. Oh well, perhaps he was too young to remember. Kai stepped out of the bathroom in his new suit.

"You look very dashing, young man." his father. "Now come on, we don’t want to be late."

They took the elevator lobby and stepped into a limousine. They drove for a while and arrived at a tall building bright with lights. They entered the building and took the elevator up to the top floor.

They exited and arrived at a set of large glass doors. They entered the restaurant. The atmosphere was invigorating. There were small rooms for private gatherings, a sushi bar, and waitresses in traditional Japanese kimonos.

One of the waitresses ushered the two to a large room. There were many men dressed in suits and ties. They seemed quite happy to see Kai’s father.

"Ah, Mr. Wah, how nice to see you." said one of the men. "Please, do sit down."

"Konichiwa." said Kai’s father. "And you are?"

" I am Mr. Funakoshi. I will be translating for all the people at the table."

"Well, it is very nice to meet you." his father said. "I have brought my son, Kai along if that is all right."

Mr. Funakoshi began speaking in Japanese to the other men. Kai understood most of it.

"The men here are honored to have your son here," said Mr. Funakoshi.

Kai began to think again. How could dad be friends with people he can’t understand. It just didn’t make sense. Kai decided not to get involved and began stuffing his face with sushi and noodles. He hadn’t had good Japanese food like this in ages since good Japanese restaurants in Hong Kong were somewhat scarce. While he was eating, Kai could overhear them discussing more about money than things friends would talk about.