Six young women in their mid-20's, sway on a Jakarta stage. Sundanese music accompanies the movement of the slim figures, wrapped tightly in traditional Indonesian kebaya outfits.

Appearances are deceptive. This is not a cultural performance, but an audition. It will determine whether the dancing will please male patrons in faraway Japan. The auditions to screen entertainers, so-called 'national ambassadors', are conducted three times a week at th