You represent a Canadian toy company that is negotiating to buy miniature truck wheels from a manufacturer in Osaka, Japan. In your first meeting, you explain that your company expects to control the design of the wheels as well as the materials that are used to make them. The manufacturer’s representative looks down and says softly, “Perhaps that will be difficult.” You press for agreement, and to emphasize your willingness to buy, you show the prepared contract you have brought with you. However, the manufacturer seems increasingly vague and uninterested. What cultural differences may be interfering with effective communication?