The importance in Japan of group identity, the Japanese approach to decision making, and the way in which the Japanese avoid conflict and build consensus when making a decision are characteristics of Japanese interactions that are critical for Americans to understand in order to communicate successfully with the Japanese. Those who would be involved with the Japanese should understand that, for most Japanese, primary identity will be with a larger group, not with oneself as an individual. They have a specific process for coming to agreement within a group and they will go to great lengths to avoid conflict, be it in the form of saying "no" or of confronting another person. The Japanese continually try to build consensus when they are working in groups, and they value harmony. Careful analysis of intercultural exchange between Americans and Japanese will lead to more accurate perceptions and improved communication. (Nineteen references are attached.) (SR)