One thing that impressed me so much when I lived in Japan was the following:

People RARELY say "I".
Everyone refers to "us" and try to include everyone rather than creating divisions.
This has profound implications in many areas of life there.

In business whenever there's a dispute between two companies, even if one is entirely wrong the other one will make consessions so that their partnership can continue long term. There in never an 'elimination' or 'merger' mentality. This may be changing due to the influence of the West but it was my experience while living there.

When people:
-Leave home they say to everyone "Itekimasu"
-Come home they say "tadaima" literally "I'm back" and whoever is home says "okarinasai" literally "you're back"

In English we never really say anything more than 'see you later'

Just before eating a meal in Japan, you say "Itadakimasu" which means literally "I am receiving". This can be said when one receives a gift as well.

After eating a wonderful meal, a really nice thing to say to a sushi chef (If he's actually truly Japanese) is "go-chi-so-sama-deshita" This means thank-you for the delicious food. They really appreciate that gesture, especially if you're a foreigner.

I think most people know this already but in Japan, no one EVER wears shoes in the house.
There is usually a special cabnet by the door to put shoes in. Also a hilarious side not is that men commonly put on their mother or wifes slippers when they go to the market, 711 or gas station and the slippers are always 4 sizes too small. I could never understand that but it was hilarious to see.

What cultural differences can any of you share about your native language?
Can you share any special phrases and their meanings?

It would be nice to learn some new things about one another's culture.