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December show: Japan

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CNN -- This month CNN Business Traveller is in Japan as Richard Quest samples the country's delicacies and customs and tries to survive on a tight budget.

Japan on $200 a day

That's the challenge set to Richard Quest. Can he do it without sleeping on the street or having to take up busking? As any corporate expense accountant will tell you, it has a reputation for being expensive and in these days of thrift that's not a good thing. But is it justified? Richard takes a journey to Osaka to meet up with Steve Crane, a businessman who makes his living bringing small and start up companies to Osaka. Steve knows all the tips and tricks to keep Richard's expenses bills down. From how to navigate the subway, to what to order from noodle bars. Together they set out to bust the myth that Japan is expensive, but can they stay within $200 a day?

Starting up

It's not just personal expenses under the spotlight in this month's show. Richard pays a visit to the Mayor of Osaka, Dr. Junichi Seki. Together with the Federal Government, the City has put together a generous package of incentives to encourage outside business to start up in Osaka. Richard discusses the importance of this incentive program with the Mayor and then pays a visit to one young businessman to see how well the scheme works in practice. So far Josh Flannery has managed to get 10 months free rent for his start-up operation and it's made all the difference to his business plan.

Food for thought

After the meetings it's time to eat and Richard gets a course in food etiquette from three long term Osaka residents. What not to do with his chopsticks, the importance of trying everything and the difference in expectations between a western and an eastern business lunch are all on the menu. To think, it all used to be so simple. Eat with your mouth closed and keep your elbows off the table. Can Richard stay on the right side of the rules of Japanese etiquette?

From the market to the table

All this food has given Richard an appetite for learning something new. Up at 4am he takes a trip to the Tsukiji fish market to see one of the sights every visitor to Tokyo should try and get to, the Tuna auctions. It's strictly look but don't touch as he works his way past stacks of eel, octopus and just about every type of fish you could imagine to get to the saleroom. In front of him a warehouse of Tuna from the overnight catch, destined for tables and restaurants across Japan. The auction is a noisy, colorful and memorable affair. Luckily Chef Aoki is on hand to give Richard a crash course in what to look for. Just as well, because back in Chef Aoki's Sushi Restaurant it's Richard's turn to put what he's been told into practice. He gets a lesson in making Sushi from the master that he won't forget in a hurry. "2 out of 10" says Chef Aoki. Better luck next time Richard, but at least it tasted better than it looked. All those stories and more are on this month's Business Traveller.

Show times

ALL TIMES GMT

Airs the second weekend of the month and the following Thursday.

Next air dates: December 9/10/14

Saturday 07:30, 13:30, 16:30

Sunday 11:30, 17:30

Thursday 13:30, 17:30

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A man arranges packs of sea urchin at Tokyo's Tsukiji fish market.

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