Will I be treated differently in Japan?

[Tenchu]

Originally Posted by Tturtle

I was in Japan in 2008. I got stares. Sometimes I looked at the person and smiled. Mostly they turned away when I did this.

Yes. Asians like staring contests. It's a polite way of saying hello, I think.

[ushkana]

how will it cause problems?

[Polar]

I have never been treated to so many smiles upon making eye contact.

I found Tokyo very warm and friendly.

I talk about this as a tourist and not a resident which is another thing entirely.

[MSTRKRFT]

Thanks, guys! You've all been really insightful. So eye contact is the way to go? I'll have to try that...