“No” does not exist in Japan
In Japan, it is often impolite to say “no” (いいえ, iie) directly, especially in business or social situations. Instead, the Japanese use more subtle ways to express a refusal. This is usually incomprehensible to Germans. Intercultural training in Japan naturally addresses this aspect of communication in detail.
Here are just three examples of how it works
- Indirect rejection
- “「ちょっと難しいですね。(Chotto muzukashii desu ne.) – “This is going to be a bit difficult.”
- 「考えておきます。」(Kangaete okimasu.) – “I’ll think about it.” (often a polite refusal)
- Delay or evasion
- 「また今度。」(Mata kondo.) – “Maybe another time.”
- 「検討します。」(Kentō shimasu.) – “We will check it.” (often a hidden “no” in business)
- Apology as rejection
- 「申し訳ありません。」(Mōshiwake arimasen.) – “I’m sorry.” (polite refusal)
- 「すみませんが…」(Sumimasen ga…)– “I’m sorry, but …”
No room for rejection
Direct rejection is avoided in order to maintain harmony(wa, 和). Harmony comes first. If a Japanese person has to choose between an untruth or a rejection, he chooses the untruth.
The German dilemma
You can now easily imagine how Germans, for whom saying “no” is not a problem, are received in Japan. Namely rude. On the other hand, Germans often think that everything will go ahead even though it should have been clear for a long time that this is not possible. It would therefore be downright foolish to travel to Japan without preparation. Intercultural training in Japan imparts precisely this knowledge. It takes some practice to decipher the meaning of what is being said, but even more to express yourself appropriately. After all, it is better if the Japanese want to do business with your company instead of doing business in spite of everything.
