Japanese Communication Behavior as Reflected in Letter Writing

Abstract

This is a contribution from Japan to a project for a comparative study of business letters in various countries. Maintaining that a direct, surface-level comparison can be misleading, the authors first review the characteristics of the Japanese language, the traditional format and style of Japanese let ters, and the status of letter writing in Japanese business circles. Then they discuss, with some examples, typical Japanese ways of thinking and feeling behind the letters they write, whether in Japanese or in English. This may serve as a hint for cross-cultural understanding, especially about the often ambiguous communications of the Japanese.