The 21st Episode : I know nice women
[July, 1988 Singapore]
I arrived at Singapore Changi Airport around 10:00 in the evening. July, it was hot with much humidity there almost just under the equator. So hot even in the night. Since the president’s daughter was not there, I took a taxi to the Hotel.
Next day, she told me that she went to the airport and confirmed I was in the flight actually but got home due to the delay of the flight. Passengers lists for each flight were on the arrival lobby those days so that the pickers could check their guests were on board. As the personal information is treated strictly these days, it is unthinkable now.
The taxi driver asked me where I was from. Japan, I answered. Then he said “I know nice women.”!?!? Checked in the hotel. A bell boy took my luggage to my room. The elevator door was closed, then he asked me where I was from. Japan, I answered. Then he said “I know nice women.” with smile!?!? Why did they talk about women when they knew I was a Japanese? For what did other Japanese guys come here!? To have got lower Japanese guys’ dignity!? I got angry. I did come for business trip!
Buying prostitute tour to Southeast Asia by Japanese guys became a social problem in 1980’s. Demonstrations were performed against the Japan embassy and/or consulate in those countries. Japan was in bubble economy. Many Japanese guys visited Southeast Asia only for this purpose. Sad and miserable…
