We got into the micro-bus and we went to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. First everyone sat together in the waiting room and had a chance to get to know special guest Natsuki Kato a little. Everyone was a little nervous but Kato-san was well versed in her manga/anime so she hit it off with the representatives quite well.

After moving into the next room Kato-san, the Vice Minister Onodera and Renee from Team USA gave formal greetings. The Vice Minister commented on the importance he found in not only promoting the economic and technological side of Japan but also the youth culture aspect.

Finally there was an opportunity for the 30 some odd reporters and media representatives to ask some questions and finished with a photo session. Interestingly enough, the gentleman at the end Mr. Monji was the Director of Operations at the Ministry, he had just come back from Iraq 2 days before where he was the ambassador for Japan. Quite a change 48 hours can make!