Japanese conflict resolution typically treats both parties as having contributed to conflict and as responsible for resolution. Pure victims and pure villains are rare in this understanding; conflict arises from failures of relationship to which both sides contributed. This shapes resolution: both parties apologize, both reflect on their behavior, both make accommodations. Even when one party appears more responsible, the other participates in reconciliation rather than simply receiving vindication.
This prevents zero-sum dynamics where one wins and another loses. When involved in conflict in Japan, expect to participate in resolution regardless of how responsibility appears distributed.
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