One day in 1996, when I was working as an editor/writer on the features desk, I arrived at work and was told as I walked in the door that an unnamed person had called. They were looking for someone at The Japan Times to do a one-on-one interview with David Bowie.

I thought I was being pranked. I had to ask the person who took the call several times to confirm its veracity. One on one. David. Bowie. The Bowie. Three hours from now . Got it.

I briefly tried to rationalize backing out. Earlier that morning, I thought I was coming down with a fever, but for some reason, I decided to come into work anyway. What if the Man catches my cold and has to cancel his tour, disappointing his legion fans in Japan. I would be the cause of immeasurable pain.