So alongside the making and presenting of a show I have been busy making sure we are connecting with the right people and nurturing relationships both here in Wales/UK and Japan.

To date, to name a few, I have had;

• Meetings with Welsh Assembly Government, Arts Council Wales, Wales Millennium Centre, BBC Wales and some movers and shakers in the Japan/Wales business network
• E-mail correspondence with British Council (Wales, London and Tokyo), New National Theatre Tokyo, British Embassy (London and Tokyo), St David's Society (Tokyo and Kansai), Japan Society, Welsh Government in Tokyo, Welsh Culture Ministers, Clwyb Hyreth, Japan Foundation, Great Britain Sasakawa Foundation, Nippon Foundation, Daiwa Foundation & their Scholars, Japan-British Society, School of Oriental & African Studies, Japan English Teachers Scheme, TPAM, Tokyo Metropolitan Theatre, Setagoya Public Theatre and some Japanese creatives who are well connected theatre makers

It's been busy as well as a slow process with the time delay and trying to reach the right people. Japanese business étiquette means that you have to be introduced to people rather than contacting 'out of the blue'.

Other business etiquette advice has included; accepting a business card with both hands and offer yours with both hands.  You must also give the business card due respect and take in the information at leisure - DO NOT shove it in your back pocket or bag as soon as you have received it - this is disrespectful.  A small nod on acceptance of a business card is also advisable.

The act of gift giving is also a big deal in Japan.  It is not the value of the gift, it is the act of giving and that the gift must be wrapped to eliminate any awkwardness.  The wrapping is the most important bit of the gift. If you receive a gift you are not expected to open it there and then....take it home.

Whilst the Japanese business world is becoming more diverse I have also been told not to be offended if I am expected to pour the drinks at a reception or a meeting.  Personally I don't see an issue with this so long as I get some and in my experience if you have a direct hold on the bottle you're more likely to get a decent measure! So happy all round I say.

Also, don't blow your nose on a handkerchief...use a disposable tissue, eat noodles and noisily as you can and make sure your socks are robust.

Sayonara for now