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Friday 13th passed relatively succesfully. The school I visited for the first time was full of happy genki kids which is perfect. I got there early whilst riding perhaps the most packed train I have ever taken. Tokyo subways have recently implemented women-only compartments to prevent the wandering hands of the Japanese man although any movement in such a squashed and compact environment could be misconstrued as an improper touch or sexual attack. The subways in Osaka have had these for a long time.

As part of the contract my company has with the City Council Board of Education, when at the schools I always have to wear a tie. Today I arrived at the school in shirt and (fake Hermes) tie (picture to follow.) We are at mid 20 degrees temperature now in preparation for the humid rainy season to come. The teachers explicitly told me to take off my tie as it was so hot so I did and literally ten seconds later a representative from the Osaka board of education came into the room. The dark side of the mythical powers of the tie are finally revealed. I only did two lessons and then worked at an English school in the evening.

The tie cheats me but I am also cheating on you dear reader. As well as keeping this diary I have a pocket diary I use for a schedule. It`s all in Japanese which adds to the allure of the whole thing. I had no use for one before - Don`t forget to wake up a eleven and drink beer Simon hardly needs meticulous planning- but with a hectic work schedule taking me around all parts of Osaka it makes me feel more organised. Please forgive me for my duality.