SINGAPORE, Oct 12 — Michelle Chong has always been a woman of the world, but now, she has been appointed an ambassador of sorts for Japanese culture in Singapore.

Chong was chosen to host two episodes of the NHK World TV travel infotainment show, Tokyo Eye 2020. On the show, she explores food, drinks and trends in the city that will host the next Olympic and Paralympic Games. She is the first host who does not reside in Japan to appear on the show.

“This year is the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan. Therefore, NHK will be focusing mainly on promoting its services and content in Singapore. And that is why we asked Michelle Chong, the most-popular actress in Singapore, to be on two episodes of Tokyo Eye 2020,” said Kenichi Kado, operating officer, head of Media Solutions Department at Japan International Broadcasting Inc, a subsidiary of Japanese broadcaster NHK.

“We were looking for a celebrity who enjoys the finer things in life.”

Chong definitely fits the bill, so it is no surprise that she had a blast imbibing and degusting in Tokyo. “Even in Singapore, I eat a lot of Japanese food and drink a lot of sake. When you’re there, obviously, the experience is very authentic, and of course, I had to help myself to good food and drinks,” she said, laughing. “I got chided by the producer for drinking too much between takes!”

She was also told to tone down her vivacity. “On Singapore TV we’re always jumping around,” she said, but in Japan, they wanted “less” of that lively enthusiasm and perhaps a more demure Michelle. “I guess I got used to it, but between takes I was still quite goofy,” she said.

After all her lessons in Japanese culture, she must be an expert by now. So, of course, we had to put her to the test with a little quiz on all things Japan.

Q: What is the correct order in which to eat sushi?

Chong: I start with whichever fish the omakase chef puts in my hand! First I’ll start with some sakana, like appetisers that go with sake. And then, well, some of the restaurants that I go to here in Singapore, the second-last course is always the negitoro roll. Do you mean like lighter fish to darker fish? But I thought that was just common sense.

Correct answer: Start with lighter-coloured fish, move on to red and fatty fish, then tamago and sushi rolls.

Q: What should you do if you have had too much wasabi?

Chong: Drink Coke! Drink sake. Eat rice. I can never have too much wasabi because I’m spicy that way.

Correct answer: Breathe through your nose.

Q: Name the two sons of the Japanese Emperor.

Chong: Starts with an A? You know, I look like I’m really good in languages and accents, but my memory is not that good.

Correct answer: Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino.

Chong: I knew that. At least I didn’t say Asahi or something.

Q: What is considered impolite to do on the subway?

(a) Wheel a baby stroller

(b) Talk on your phone

(c) Put on make-up

(d) All of the above

Chong: All of the above! I didn’t take the train the last few times I was there, but I’m pretty well-read.

Correct answer: (d)

Q: What is the correct way to reject an invitation to a picnic?

Chong: But I would never do that! ‘Sorry but I have to wash my hair’? How about, umm, ‘I’m not feeling well’? ‘I am fat and I can’t eat any more’? ‘I’m having my period’?

Correct Answer: Express hesitation and say, “Chotto”.

Catch Tokyo Eye 2020 Wednesdays at 7.30am, 1.30pm and 8.30pm; and Thursdays at 1.30am on NKH World TV (StarHub TV Ch 812 and Singtel TV Ch 157). Michelle Chong’s episodes will air on October 12 and 19. You can also watch them via the NHK World TV app and at www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/tokyoeye2020

Watch the interview here. — TODAY