I think I have found the polar opposites in terms of directness versus inderictness in social situations. The winners of the prize are Finland (direct) and Japan (indirect).

Finland wins due to exchanges such as:

Situation 1:

Me: Would you like a lift to that event at the weekend since your car is being repaired?
Finn: Yes. Does your car have air-bags?

Situation 2:

Us: Arrive at appartment in Finland
Finn: Hello. We take our shoes off in apartments in Finland.

And now on to Japan, the indirectness capital of the world.

Situation 1:

Person 1: That is a cute puppy, isn’t it?
Person 2: Sō desu nē…

Here, person 2’s phrase means “Yes it is, isn’t it?”

Situation 2:

Person 1: Shall we go to the cinema?
Person 2: Sō desu nē…

Here, person 2’s phrase is a place-holder, like “Hmmm…” buying time while he/she decides.

Situation 3:

Person 1: Shall we go for a coffee?
Person 2: Sō desu nē…

Here, person 2’s phrase means “no”.

There was me, listening to situation three, thinking it meant “maybe” or “yes” when it meant “no”. The Japanese will go to any lengths to avoid saying “no”.