In Japan, it is a sign of respect NOT to make eye contact with another person. Likewise, making eye contact with another person during conversation is considered rude. As children, the Japanese are taught to focus on the neck of the other person when in conversation.
In fact, in Japanese culture, people are taught not to maintain eye contact with others because too much eye contact is often considered disrespectful. For example, Japanese children are taught to look at others necks because this way, the others eyes still fall into their peripheral vision [28].
People in the Middle East use very intense and prolonged eye contact to gauge someone elses intentions, and will move in very close to see the other persons eyes better. However, in Japan direct eye contact is interpreted as an invasion of a persons privacy and an act of rudeness.
Eye Contact in Western Europe It is considered proper and polite to maintain almost constant eye contact with another person during a business exchange or a conversation.
In Japan, eye contact equals aggression. If you look someone in the eye, they look away. Direct eye contact is considered rude or intrusive. This causes irritation but its also a sign of confidence, which many Japanese interpret as over-confidence or arrogance.
Making eye contact in China is a sure fire way to make enemies, not friends. The Chinese people view eye contact as a necessary tool, but not in the same way that other cultures do. In China, people make eye contact when they are angry. It is meant to challenge the other person and is a sign of disrespect.
In Korea, it is traditionally rude to look directly into the eyes of an elder/senior/respectable person who is speaking to you, ESPECIALLY when you are getting into trouble. Each time the teacher greeted or talked to the student, the student would look away and avoid eye contact.
Is Smiling rude in Japan?
Japanese people tend to shy away from overt displays of emotion, and rarely smile or frown with their mouths, Yuki explained, because the Japanese culture tends to emphasize conformity, humbleness and emotional suppression, traits that are thought to promote better relationships.
In Korea, it is traditionally rude to look directly into the eyes of an elder/senior/respectable person who is speaking to you, ESPECIALLY when you are getting into trouble. You might have even grown up hearing adults say, “Look at me when Im talking to you!” Making eye contact = paying attention and giving respect.