Implicit and Indirect Information Sharing Supplements Explicit Disclosure

Information in Japan flows not only through explicit statement but through implicit and indirect channels. What is understood without being stated, what is implied rather than declared, what exists in shared atmosphere—these carry significant information. Reading between the lines, perceiving what is meant but not said, understanding through context—these skills enable reception of implicitly shared information. Explicit statement is not the only mode of information sharing; much is communicated through suggestion and context.

When operating in Japanese contexts, attend to implicit channels. What is not said may be as informative as what is said.