4
The Mystery at Mt. Fuji
organization. Mimi thought the invitation was very timely because the kids had recently learned so much about Japan and wanted to go there. So she accepted—and here they were, sore bottoms and all. “Mashu-san!” Professor Kato exclaimed, smiling, as he came up to Mimi and bowed. The kids stared when they heard Mimi’s last name pronounced in such an odd way. And their mouths dropped open when they saw Mimi slowly attempt a bow, looking like she didn’t want to throw her back out of line. “They really do bow here!” Grant said, surprised. “And they say San instead of Mr. or Mrs,” Christina whispered back. Professor Kato was introduced to everyone in the group. When Grant met him, Professor Kato bowed slightly while Grant attempted a very deep, impressive bow that sent him tumbling! Professor Kato laughed. He said to Mimi and Papa, “Your grandson knows that younger people bow more deeply to older people! He will do very well in Japan! We Japanese put a very strong emphasis on politeness.”