Japan still has a bit to go for that international flavor.

Me: Sandy's first job will be in Liberia! [Ri-be-ri-a]
Professional educators:  [paraphrasing everyone, except, to be fair, the social studies teachers]  I don't know that place or anything about it.
...
Me, later:  Well, it was founded by ex-American slaves.
Japanese teacher:  Oh, so they have whites and blacks.
Me:  ... ... Sure.
...
Another teacher:  So, do they have cars there?
...
Even my dad knew enough to ask "Are they still fighting a war?" 

C'mon Japan, more internationalization!  Information is power!  Knowledge is king!  And other trite phrases!