Verbal communication is a very crucial component to a successful and positive interaction with Japanese culture. Many businessmen travel to Japan and feel uncomfortable because they lack sufficient verbal intercultural communication skills.

• What you say is not always what you mean
• Emotional language is more prevalent than logical language
• How you say something is more important than what you say
• Silence is as important as speech

The syntax of English language determines language use patterns such as using "I" at the beginning of sentences. Because of this, the subject-predicate relation is used in sentences. Japanese is quite different. In respect of Japanese notions of interdependence and harmony, the Japanese may employ indirect, even ambiguous word usage.

When considering venturing to a country with a culture different from that of the traveler, specifically Japan, it is wise to learn local values and cultural backgrounds so the traveler knows how to behave in intercultural settings. Cultural arrogance can be a massive obstacle to understanding. He should not let ethnocentrism and lack of social linguistic competence jeopardize effective intercultural communication

To not appear to be self-assertive: the use of qualifiers (maybe, probably, somewhat) is common. Japanese sentences do not require a subject, therefore the qualifier-predicate is the predominate form of sentence construction.

• West emphasizes words whereas the East deemphasizes them
• The Japanese view truth as occurring in the 'inner realms”
• the outer self can be seen to portray deception and even "moral falsity”
• Truthfulness is seen to come from silence and Japanese view those who speak little to be more trustworthy than those who talk a lot

One of the rationales for this type of communication is to avoid conflicts by respecting the "spirit of harmony." Conflicts may be interpreted erroneously as attacks ad hominem: those who lose their temper and feel offended may appeal to nonverbal means such as violence as a means to counter argue.

Additionally, in group-oriented cultures such as the Japanese, not only is self-effacement practiced, but singling someone out with a compliment can be considered very offensive. Japanese culture tends to prefer non-verbal communication when conveying the complete feeling of what is trying to be said.