Nodding

From IkataWiki

In Japanese culture, nodding (aizuchi) during conversation does not necessarily imply agreement or understanding. It is more a way of assuring the speaker that the listener is paying attention.

Especially in homestay situations, where the visitor is in unfamiliar territory and may have trouble with the language, visitors may pick up a habit of pretending to understand what is said to them,

• in an attempt to please the speaker, and
• to avoid awkward social situations.

It is important to never assume that your visitor understands perfectly what you say, even if he or she nods profusely. To best facilitate communication, make sure to speak easy English.