I think sometimes the cultural and lingual difficulties can also be a hindrance, if people do not fully understand how a country works, on an historical and psychological level, misunderstandings can arise...
"As one reason, I think we are not unwilling to express apology to others; rather, it seems to me that words of apology make us relieved not to make friction and smooth over the relationships in our social life in Japan. I think this tendency is one part of our Japanese national character. And we haven't had the background of lawsuit-active society like America. Before I came to America from Japan, I heard that we must not apologize even if we have a car accident.....But I think I should pay more attention not to apologize too much in America, because I'm afraid the Japanese's modest way sometimes makes Americans feel strange. Moreover, it is subject to being misunderstood as the lack of self-confidence or misunderstanding.
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(This off a website dealing with cultural questions....
The Japanese are intensely polite, fastidious and meticulous people...There is a great deal of tradition, ritual, custom and inbred courtesy in many things they do, and sometimes this can be misinterpreted by those not familiar with the Japanese.
I frankly think they are wonderful, and my ambition is to visit Japan....