A Japanese tourist takes a taxi at Honolulu airport for a 30-minute ride to his Waikiki Beach hotel. On the way he sees a hospital building being built.
“Driver,” says the Japanese businessman, “how long now hospital build?”
"It’s been six months since groundbreaking, " answers the local driver.
“Six months? Why too long?” inquires the Japanese businessman. “In Japan, three weeks building finish. Japan very very fast!”
They pass a shopping mall halfway finished.
“Driver, how long shopping mall build?”
“About a year now…”
“Too long. In Japan, six weeks ready. Japan very very fast!”
The taxi reaches the hotel. The meter reads $686.95.
“Why too much?” the Japanese businessman complains.
The driver points at the taximeter and says: “Meter made in Japan. VERY VERY FAST!”