Don't worry to much about the flight, it will soon pass.

I still recall the days of the Boeing 707 and VC 10's trips out to that part of the world, and the intro of the 747. Travel after that was like going from a bottle of Nut Brown stout to champagne. It use to be like a Thomas Cook trip, with stops in about every country. A twenty two hour flight was nothing, and you certainly ate well.

Remember if you are filling in time and expense sheets, you will gain and/or lose a day- time and date wise?.

On a long flight, with changing planes at airports. I always make sure I have spare undies in my ready use pack. Then when in the gents at your stopover get yourself a quick wash-down and change. It's amazing what a difference it makes to your comfort on your next leg of the journey.

Never had the good luck to visit Japan but I have heard a lot about how nice it is and how wonderful the natives are.

I'm surprised the FE hasn't advised you to take a Kindle for reading. Much easier than books. If you don't own one see if you can borrow one from somebody else and choose to read one of the books on it.

FE. I didn't think anything would frighten you.

Being a Kindle-phobe, I always make sure I've a couple of audio books on my mp3 player whenever a long-haul flight is in the offing. Since most audio books run out at 7-12 hours, that noramlly does me fine

The UK agent for the supplier is coming out with me, and he's a very pleasant fella, so that'll help, we'll have a laugh

Since you're the customer, on a more pragmatic mode, watch out for an excess of hospitality (aka lots of drinks) from their man. Speaking from experience (once only!), being poured off a long-haul flight is not the greatest of starts to a business trip :-)

The audio book is a cracking idea, my eyes get tired these days if I read too much, but listening to a book could be a good alternative.

Also, extremely handy if you've got a squalling brat behind you!