Other defensive strategies commonly used by Japanese include deflecting conversation about topics that they do not want to discuss, avoiding talk about anything that may be perceived as negative, commenting indirectly about a counterpart’s points rather than making their own, or engaging in circular discussions that do not seem to reach a conclusion. They may also give illustrative examples of problems that might arise from an option in a manner that is not likely to be seen by their non-Japanese counterpart as direct criticism of their views (or if challenged, can be easily dismissed as merely examples) (Yamada, 1997). Amai, or ambiguity, is commonly used in Japanese communications and negotiations to prevent unnecessary or undesirable commitments, create vagueness that allows more freedom of action, or save face in difficult situations (Davies, 2002).