Japan’s Impeccable Train Standards

Japanese train company apologizes after a 20 second delay in their usual commuting schedule

train-japan

The Japanese have used trains regularly for a century. It then is no surprise that trains have become the preferred public transportation method in the city with all its convenience. In fact, Tokyo Subway alone operates a 285 stations.  After all, it is most reliable, cheapest, and fastest way to get to a destination. Trains not only a big part of commuting to work for people in Japan. It also is very much a part of Japanese culture.

Strict Regulations

Along with the train simulated in arcades and train keychains sold in shops, you will see a reflection of Japanese culture through train etiquette. When many visitors first visit Japan, they are often astonished on how clean, quiet and on-time trains in Japan often are. That is no surprise, as Japan has some of the best and most efficient train systems in the world.

More importantly, Japan has many unspoken rules on trains followed by the community at large. Unlike trains in the UK or Korea, where talking is generally accepted, talking is frown upon in Japan. That is not to say it is completely unacceptable, but it is best to talk quietly on trains as a way to respect other passengers around you. This is especially true during the rush hour mornings, where it is not uncommon for the train to be dead silent.

Other Applications

People do not talk on trains. Even when someone needs to talk on trains in cases of urgency, he or she will talk extra quietly so others are not bothered around him or her. On the train, eating and drinking is not allowed. Shinkansens are the exception. Shinkansen trips, however, are typically at least one hour long.

People also do not push on trains, even when it is hot, muggy and crowded. When the train doors open, the people closest to the door will temporary leave the train to let others out. Even the people waiting to get on the train line up in a orderly fashion.

People tend to follow these same etiquettes off the train. People will keep moving forward instead of standing in one spot, especially in the mist of chaos during rush hour. This helps prevent blockage.

“There was even a case of a train conductor apologizing last November for leaving a mere 20 seconds early. 20 seconds.”

Everyone seems to follow these set of rules on trains, whether written or not.

Train Company Apolgizes

One of the reasons that can explain Japan’s unprecedented timing can be explained by Hashimoto. Hashimoto works for JR East, a Japanese railway company and had this to say: The long-held Japanese sense of everyone working together to get things done on time eventually spread to the railways, so I think our baseline standard is probably more demanding than other countries”. Even when trains are late, passengers are the main cause. Sometimes passengers squeeze on trains past departure times or have medical emergencies.

There was even a case of a train conductor apologizing last November for leaving a mere 20 seconds early. 20 seconds.

That is compared to many other nations, where flexibility is held to more importance than being punctual. So if you ever are late in Tokyo, it is very unlikely it is due to the trains.

Today’s “otsumami” – a bite size snack:

Train culture in Japan is another way that shows the beauty of Japan’s culture of respect and punctuality. 

What do you think?

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