July 12 - Ann and I do a lot of entertaining at home. This is an important part of our duties as diplomats because we need to provide a comfortable environment for Japanese guests to interact with Embassy staff and visitors from Washington.
Ann strikes the clappers to call for order.
Sometimes our guests engage in such animated conversations that it becomes challenging to gain their attention when it is time to make a toast.
Ann solved this problem for me. She purchased a pair of wooden clappers - just like the ones used at the beginning of a performance in a kabuki theater. When she strikes the clappers, our guests are so surprised that all conversations cease and everyone turns to the microphone. What a creative approach to resolve this challenge!
Until next time,
Jim
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