You spot your host family in the crowd. The father is a kindly, paternal fellow with one arm and silver-rimmed glasses. The mother is holding a plate of cookies (the Japanese call them "crisps"), and the son is playing Pokemon Gold on a Gameboy. After your introductions, the family takes you to their pleasant apartment, which is made of paper. "What do you want to do first?" asks the father. "We could see some classic Noh plays, go sightseeing in Tokyo, or go to our family's favorite hangout, the Hippo Club."
