This study examined Japanese returnees' readjustments in criticism styles. First, we showed that criticism styles between Japanese and Americans were different. suggesting that Japanese sojourners need to adjust their criticism styles. Second, we tested Japanese returnees' criticism styles in two contests: when interacting with either another Japanese person or with an American. Returnees differentiated their criticism styles based on these contexts; they preferred indirect criticism styles when interacting with other Japanese. which is contrary to stereotypical images about Japanese retunees. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.