A sales rep is given a project to sell components from his company to a Japanese firm, who, for reasons that are beyond the scope of this story, can't make them in house.

Reasoning that he will develop a good rapport, he takes lessons in the language, studies hard and works late into the night, foregoing everything in a normal way of life, in order to become fluent.  By day he works long hours developing his sales pitch, co-ordinating reports and product samples, and generally doing all the necessary prep work for his forthcoming trip to the Land of the Rising Yen.

Despite his best efforts, he cannot get his head around the language, even when translated into Gaijin equivalents in Romaji characters.  It's far worse when striving to learn the written characters, at which he stares in blank incomprehension.

Fortunately for him, all his contacts in Japan speak flawless English but as the day of his trip comes closer, one of his overseas colleagues tells him the Director he'll be meeting insists that all business matters must be conducted in Japanese, as he does not trust the "Language of the foreign devils".  Distraught, our hero redoubles his efforts but all to no avail.

The day of his trip dawns, and sees our lad boarding the plane with a heavy heard.  Gloom envelops him all the way over, and on arrival, his depression increases exponentially, as he sees that he really is a stranger in a strange land, and can't even read the street signs.

Dejected, he checks into his hotel, goes to his room and sets about emptying the mini bar.  A while later, in need of companionship, he calls down to reception to ask if there is any way a lady of negotiable affection can be sent to his room.  Sure enough, a short time later, a beautiful young lady appears at his door.  So beautiful is the woman that he forgets his depression, and in a haze of lust and drunkenness, tears off her clothes, throws her on the bed and begins to give her the rogering of a lifetime.

The young lady seems to be appreciative of his efforts, as she thrashes about, screaming "Machigatta ana! Machigatta ana!" at the top of her voice, until he collapses, spent, over her sweating frame.  In the post coital glow and alcoholic haze, he suddenly realizes he's learned a very important phrase, obviously meaning "wonderful" or something similar, and with luck he'll be able to use it to his advantage, during his meeting the next day.

The following day, our hero makes his way to the local private golf club, where the Japanese Director has requested they meet for a round or two, while discussing the deal.  After a curt greeting, the Director tees off and, amazingly scores a hole in one.  Our fellow siezes the opportunity to use the phrase and jumps into the air, screaming "Machigatta ana!" at the top of his voice.

Time stands still.  The Director and his entourage all turn to face the salesman, and fixing him with the coldest stare this side of the moon, the Director, in flawless English, says...

"What do you mean, 'wrong hole'?"