Understanding the Cultural Context of Disagreements in Japan: Tips for Effective Communication

Author : Emilia Gautot

One of the difficulties that some foreigners face when living in Japan is figuring out how to discuss political and ethical issues with Japanese people. Smalltalk and simple ideas usually will not pose a problem, but when the speaker progresses from basic discussion to challenging more difficult issues, a possibility of conflict emerges (Gakuran, 2014). In her book "The Culture Map," Erin Meyer discusses the Japanese approach to disagreeing and avoiding confrontation. Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on harmony and avoiding conflict, which can make it challenging for outsiders to navigate disagreements. As an expat, it will be important to be patient and try to read between the lines when communicating with Japanese counterparts. It will be very important to understand the Japanese approach to disagreeing and avoiding confrontation, in order to build strong relationships and avoid misunderstandings (Meyer, 2016).

This blog post will include the strategies and approaches the Japanese use to avoid conflict and disagreements. Additionally, this text will also propose some tips for expats travelling to Japan about how they can avoid confrontation in the harmonious Japanese culture.

As mentioned before, the Japanese people will try to avoid confrontation at all costs. Here is how they accomplish this:

1.   Using indirect language and communication

The use of indirect language is a typical approach in Japan for avoiding conflict. Rather than making a clear statement, Japanese people frequently communicate in a circular manner, eventually narrowing down to their point. Euphemisms and polite language are also used to soften the effect of their statements. This can make it difficult for outsiders to recognize when an argument is actually taking place. Japanese culture also tends to favor indirect communication. Instead of directly stating a disagreement or criticism, people may use subtle hints, nonverbal cues, or softening language to express their thoughts (Villar, 2023).

2.   Finding common ground instead of differences

Another strategy for avoiding confrontation in Japan is to focus on finding common ground rather than highlighting differences. In Japan, people often place a great deal of importance on building and maintaining relationships, rather than winning arguments (Meres, 1998). Because of this, they often take a non-confrontational approach to disagreements. Instead of confronting someone about a disagreement, they may try to reach an agreement or ignore the subject entirely (Meyer, 2016).

Diversity of opinion and individual ambition are considered selfish and inconsiderate traits in most eyes. The reality for most Japanese if they wish to function properly within their group is, they must learn how to manage their various relationships and bear the weight of an interdependent existence.

3.   Trying to maintain group harmony

When it comes to maintaining public harmony, no country does it better than Japan. This philosophy, known as 'WA' locally, or group harmony, is one in which everyone attempts to get along. This means that people value the cohesion of the group above individual opinions or interests. Whether commuting, at business, or at home, Japan views conflict avoidance as something to strive for at all times. In Japan, it can even be considered impolite to express a disagreement that may disrupt the harmony of the group. As a result, their general society is significantly more harmonious. This means that, in comparison to other countries, there is less general hostility and, as a result, less crime in Japan (Shuichi Shimizu Mahana Corporation Co., 2020).

However, this can make it difficult for outsiders to get a clear understanding of what is being communicated, as they may not know whether their Japanese counterpart actually agrees with them or not (Meyer, 2016).

On top of this, in Japan, diversity of opinion and individual ambition are considered selfish and inconsiderate traits. Most Japanese must learn how to manage their different relationships and bear the weight of an interdependent existence if they want to function successfully within their group (Meres, 1998).

4.   Avoiding physical conflicts

Instead of arguing or fighting, Japanese individuals are significantly more likely to display self-control or even convey their thoughts in far more muted ways by being quieter and less forthcoming. The only exception is when a significantly higher-ranking individual speaks harshly or loses their temper in front of someone far lower down the food chain (Shuichi Shimizu Mahana Corporation Co., 2020).

5.   Saving face

Japanese culture places a high value on saving face or avoiding public embarrassment or shame. This means that people may avoid expressing a disagreement in a public setting, as it could potentially cause someone to lose face (Meyer, 2016).

To finish, here are some tips for expats travelling to Japan about how they can avoid confrontation in the harmonious Japanese culture:

1.   Avoid talking about sensitive topics

The first rule of thumb is to avoid addressing sensitive matters whenever possible or unless you are very certain the other person is willing to discuss it with you (Gakuran, 2014).

2.   Find a common ground

Try to view any 'conflict' as a way to connect with the other person. They are your 'partner' in a discussion, not your 'opponent' in an argument. What are the parallels between your viewpoint and theirs? What points did they make that are worthy of consideration? Could it be that you both have the same opinion but are approaching the subject from different perspectives? (Gakuran, 2014).

3.   Save face

Expats doing business in Japan should know that it's important to be sincere and honest, but without being too confrontational. When getting a difficult question, try to use vague expressions to deflect the question, in order to avoid embarrassment and disappointment (Doing Business in Japan | Expat Arrivals, n.d.).

4.   Use indirect language

When disagreeing, make a point of openly noting where your partner succeeds, complementing them on their insight in some circumstances, before gently expressing an opposite position. Even here, the word 'opposing' would be too harsh, and the most successful strategy would be to present an alternative point of view (Gakuran, 2014).

In conclusion, Japanese culture places a strong emphasis on harmony and avoiding conflict, which can make it difficult for outsiders to navigate disagreements. The Japanese people try to avoid confrontation by using indirect language, finding common ground, trying to maintain group harmony, avoiding physical conflicts, and saving face. Expats traveling to Japan should avoid sensitive topics, view any "conflict" as a way to connect with the other person, save face, and use indirect language. To build strong relationships and avoid misunderstandings, it is essential to understand the Japanese approach to disagreeing and avoiding confrontation. By being patient and reading between the lines when communicating with Japanese counterparts, expats can avoid conflicts and build harmonious relationships in the Japanese culture.

References

All You Need to Know About Tax-Free Shopping in Japan (2023) | LIVE JAPAN travel guide. (n.d.). LIVE JAPAN. https://livejapan.com/en/article-a0000238/ 

Bambysheva, N. (2023, May 8). What Japan Could Teach The U.S.—And The World—About Regulating Crypto. Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/sites/ninabambysheva/2023/05/08/what-japan-could-teach-the-us-and-the-world-about-regulating-crypto/? 

Doing Business in Japan | Expat Arrivals. (n.d.). https://www.expatarrivals.com/asia-pacific/japan/doing-business-japan 

Gakuran, M. (2014, November 23). What You Need To Know Before Arguing With Japanese People. GaijinPot Blog. https://blog.gaijinpot.com/know-arguing-japanese-people/ 

Japan: Conflict & Control. (n.d.). https://www.culture-at-work.com/jpnconflict.html 

Meres, Richard P., "Japanese nonconfrontational conflict strategies and their accompanying nonverbal behaviors" (1998). Graduate Student Theses, Dissertations, & Professional Papers. 5388. https://scholarworks.umt.edu/etd/5388 

Shuichi Shimizu Mahana Corporation Co. , Ltd. (2020). The conflict avoiding culture of Japan. Living in Tokyo | Real Estate Information and Living Guide for Expats. https://living.rise-corp.tokyo/the-conflict-avoiding-culture-of-japan/ 

Villar, G. A. (2023). How Japan's High Context Culture Influences Japanese | The Glossika Blog. The Glossika Blog. https://ai.glossika.com/blog/japanese-language-the-influence-of-a-high-context-culture