Cold opening: ""Grant Tinker"" comments on sending ""Tom and the gang"" to Tokyo for the Late Night ""Japanese Show;"" Dave and interpreter Mako Hatori look at New Gift Items; Kenny Rogers visits; Larry ""Bud"" with ""Ask Mr. Melmansan""; Randy Bass on being an American playing professional baseball in Japan; Japanese game show producer Masahiro Takahashi is interviewed by Dave and Mako.
It's the 552nd ""Late Night"" program, and the fourth to originate in L.A. County. The Hollywood sign behind Dave reads ""El Monte."" Within that backdrop, Mayor Tom Bradley throws things behind Dave's desk, with the obligatory crashing noises. Johnny Carson drops by with a quick-to-assemble ""Tonight Show"" desk.
Returning NBC affiliate WSAV in Savannah, GA., is brought up to date throughout the show with ""Al Frisch's NBC Theatre;"" ""Viewer Mail;"" Ohio State Fair blue ribbon prize winner Seth Miranda displays giant fruits and vegetables; Chris Elliott with a look at ""The Fugitive Guy;"" a tour of 46th St.; fashion designer Dianne Brill visits.