A few years ago, Japan’s Prime Minister Mori was givensome Basic English Conversation training before he visited Washington and met president Bill Clinton.

The instructor told Mori “Prime Minister, when you shake hands with President Clinton, please say ‘how are you’. Then Mr. Clinton will say,” I’m fine, and you?” Now you should say ‘me too’.

Afterwards we, translators, will do all the work for you.”

It looked quite simple, but the truth was…

When Mori met Clinton, he mistakenly said “Who Are You?”.

Mr. Clinton was a bit shocked but still managed to react with humor:

“Well, I am Hilary’s husband, ha-ha-ha-ha-ha.”

Then Mori replied confidently “Me too, hahaha…hahaha…”

Then there was a long silence in the meeting room.