When we studied conversational Japanese, we focused on expressions of courtesy. Nevertheless, my worst fear was that I would say something stupid and/or inappropriate. As it happened, both of these appeared together in one event. I was asked to present a plaque to our Conference Co-ordinator, Michiko Yanagi [Owner of Four Seasons Art Gallery, Saitama]. I was also to say a few words. I did say words of gratitude. Unfortunately, my English words included ironies and paradoxes and paradoxical ironies and all I said couldn't be translated into Japanese. Three experienced translators took on the challenge -- one after the other -- after the other. What an embarrassment!