Hank The Bank flat out accommodating a deal

AMERICAN expats in Tokyo are escaping the Japanese downturn by fleeing to Hongkong. Several of these have brought an incredibly powerful secret weapon with them: The Relocation Deal.

One banker, let's call him Hank The Bank, duly arrived in Hongkong and was taken to the Strawberry Hill development at the Peak to be shown what was on offer.

These apartments were renting for $70,000 to $80,000 a month.

The agent knew a sucker when he saw one. (''American banker? Waaaah!'') He took the newcomer into a $70,000 Strawberry Hill apartment and quoted the rent at $150,000 a month.

Staggering? Yes. But many of these Tokyo expats have been on deals which include about $200,000 a month for housing.

That's what high-class executive housing in Japan's capital city costs.

Hank, fancying himself as a cool negotiator, decided to be really tough.