This study examined the relationship between relational features, face concerns, and conflict styles by confirming and elaborating on face negotiation theory (FNT). In the study 344 Japanese university students were asked to rate face concerns and interpersonal conflict style in relation to targets of differing relational closeness and social status. These relationships were tested through structural equation modeling. The general results confirmed the situational model proposed by FNT. Moreover, the further examination of face concepts was valuable in explaining conflict communication processes. First, relational features were found to impact the use of conflict styles directly and indirectly through face concerns. Second, through examining face concerns from the two dimensions of content and locus, we could gain a more detailed picture of the relationship between face concerns and conflict styles. By applying the results of the current study, educators will be able to focus on relational features and face concerns to offer training in interpersonal communication competence needed to resolve interpersonal conflict.