How do Japanese people tell “Negative Feedback”? It is said that Japanese people don’t clearly tell “Negative Feedback” to others. Is this really true? I’ll show you examples in different situations. 1) From higher position to lower position From a boss to a subordinate, or from an employee who works longer to another employee who works shorter, they tend to tell “Negative Feedback” clearly. One interesting note; even though an employee who works longer is younger than another employee who works shorter, they can tell “Negative Feedback” 2) From lower position to higher position On the contrary to No1, it is very difficult to tell “Negative Feedback” in person even though a lower position person is elder. They may complain behind his back, or they may write a complain letter anonymously to their personnel department. 3) Between neighbors For example, your neighbor is quite noisy at night every day, you can complain this matter to your apartment management company or you may post a complain letter anonymously. However, you would hesitate to complain in person because you are worrying it would hurt the relationship with neighbors. 4) Among Mom-Kidz group For example, you belong to a Mom-Kidz group (a group of mothers and their children of similar ages) and one of the member invites the others to a “home party”. Suppose you behaved badly there; your child malbehaved but you ignored, or you didn’t bring any food at a potluck style party but consumed a lot. Nobody complains to you clearly but you will not be invited again not only by the parson who organized the party but also everyone who knows your behavior. Moreover, you will feel difficulty in communicating with the members because the others share complaints toward what you did. If two people are friends, it totally depends on them whether they tell “Negative Feedback” directly. However, if they are not close and there is no business relationship, it is usual not to tell “Negative Feedback” in person.