Refusing a request is a delicate matter, and more so in Japan.
Western style research on how Japanese do refusals gives some insights—and disappointments.
Here are some online videos giving advice and modelling about spoken refusals.
Do you think these strategies and techniques are suitable for use with Japanese?
Do you think they are suitable for use with foreigners in Japan?
Youtube [Hunter searched youtube using ‘polite refusals’]
BBC Politely refusing something – 16 –
English at Work helps you make polite refusals
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WFDvDcozhYM
BBC English at Work series
http://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/english-at-work
Benjamin
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ewz30PKCnzI
BBC on avoiding ‘you’ and using the passive
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FYxqDFstFo
BBC on saying no to invitations (social scenarios)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D58LCh_1jmM
The American Way: howcast.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w1Brw7X-oIo
American: manners, a prior engagement, future plans
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iH3qjeeVxAs
Very casual America at culips.com
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngdN1ohDvOA
Lawrie Hunter 