The quintet, wearing traditional “happi” coats that had been hastily provided, was met at Narita Airport by hordes of fans Jan. 17.

The next day they held a press conference during which the group announced they would return for their first-ever Japan concerts – in November. There will be two shows at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center outside of Tokyo.

After the photo call, Zayn Malik left the stage and did not reappear for the actual press conference. There was no explanation for the disappearance. Maki Horikita, currently a very busy actress in Japan and the host of this year’s New Year’s Eve song contest, presented the group with a bouquet of flowers and told the media  she was a huge fan of the group.

One Direction, admitting they had only been in the country for a day, said they were awed and surprised by Japan.

“Everyone dresses really well,” said Harry Styles. Louis Tomlinson said that the members had played with robots the night before and hinted that Zayn had been “putting [one] together for about three hours yesterday,” which might have explained his absence, but no one followed up on the question.

The group also went on a karaoke binge the night before and, when pressed for their selections, admitted to renditions of Jay-Z, 50 Cent, Baha Men and Kenny Rogers.

One magazine writer said her readers were learning English from the group’s lyrics and asked Styles what his favorite line from their songs was.

Styles answered, “‘You still have to squeeze into your jeans’ from ‘Little Things.’” The press got quite a kick out of that.

On the weekend, the group played a special showcase at a local club exclusively for members of their fan club.