Fr. Jim Tucker
blogged a quote from the Sondheim musical "Pacific Overtures", which is about the contact of Japan with the West after centuries of isolation . (Direct link not working: scrolling may be necessary) While I've never seen it staged, a friend lent me the soundtrack and I thought a lot of it was wickedly funny. I am particularly fond of the song "Please Hello" in which admirals from various Western nations arrive , each singing in a distinctive way, with my favorite being the British, who sings in a Gilbert and Sullivan-esque patter style. :

" BRITISH ADMIRAL
Please
Hello, I come with letters from Her Majesty Victoria
Who, learning how you're trading now, sang "Hallelujah, Gloria!"
And sent me to convey to you her positive euphoria
As well as little gifts from Britain's various emporia.
(offers a tin of tea to Abe)

ABE
Tea?

BRITISH ADMIRAL
For drink.

ABE
I see.
I thank you —

BRITISH ADMIRAL
I think
Her letters do contain a few proposals to your Emperor
Which if, of course, he won't endorse, will put in her in a temper or,
More happily, should he agree, will serve to keep her placid, or
At least till I am followed by a permanent ambassador.

RECITER
A treaty port and, from the court, a permanent ambassador.
A treaty port and, from the court, a permanent ambassador.
A treaty port and, from the court, a permanent ambassador
And more.

BRITISH ADMIRAL
Her Majesty considers the arrangements to be tentative
Until we ship a proper diplomatic representative.
We don't foresee that you will be the least bit argumentative,
So please ignore the man-of-war we brought as a preventative.

(explosion)

RECITER
Yes, please ignore the man-of-war
That's anchored rather near the shore,
It's nothing but a metaphor
That acts as a preventative.

(explosion)

BRITISH ADMIRAL
All clear?
Just so.
Sign here....."