Golf in Japan - the game of gods

The stereotype of the golfing corporate executive is not so much a stereotype as actually true in Japan. A day on the links is considered vital to the good development of business relations and to turn down an invitation something of a slap in the face. Golf is serious business, I’ve actually agreed to play in a typhoon after my colleagues looked at me in horror when I suggested we should shelve the day as there was a risk we could be killed in the storm.

When language is difficult it's a great way to get to know people and it does seem to provide several extra vacation days a year to those who enjoy the game.