6 things to avoid doing on Japanese trains
15:35
In Japan, trains are the most common way of getting places,
and popular destinations always lead to incredibly crowded trains. There is a
certain way to ensure you get the best experience from your train ride, but
that is a post for another day. Today, I want to discuss 6 things that you
should never do on public transport, especially as a foreigner.
Before beginning I would like to point out that some
Japanese people do the things listed below. However, according to my Japanese
friends, it often comes across as rude or disrespectful. Keeping in mind that
if you are a foreigner you will most likely be visiting, you will be a guest in
their country, and therefore, you should respect their rules.
夏帆 tells me that some Japanese people spend so much time on
trains that they treat them as home, and behave in a certain way. However, this
might not be the best move if you are a visitor to the country, especially not
during rush hour. Also, keep in mind that these rules are for local trains
only. By all means, break a few if you are riding the 新幹線 {bullet train} for an extended period of time.
1.
Don’t apply makeup
This is seen as selfish and disrespectful,
especially because the act of putting on makeup is not always pretty. Though some Japanese
break this rule, majority abide by it. So please, don’t get your powder out on
the train.
2.
Don’t eat
This rule is for local trains only, as
eating on the bullet train is okay. But seriously, nobody wants to sit on your
food scraps, so wait until you are home, or at least seated. I’ve noticed that
nobody eats whilst walking in Japan, and conclude that, perhaps, it is polite
to find a place to sit or stand and eat? I’ll have to confirm this theory.
3.
Don’t drink
This is a pretty flexible rule. Sometimes,
water or tea is okay, likewise fizzy drinks. However, like with food, please
avoid spilling liquid everywhere. I would recommend never bringing a drink on
the train during rush hour, as the risk is just too high. But if you want to
sip on water on the way home, go ahead.
4.
Don’t swear
Swearing is a no brainer. It’s really
impolite to do in front of strangers, especially if you are a visitor to the
country. Even if in another language, please avoid swearing on the train. There
are other foreigners around too. The other day a group of English students came
on my train and started cussing like crazy {more about that another day}, and
it made everyone in the carriage uncomfortable. Japanese people know the word:
F***, so don’t even try.
5.
Avoid speaking loudly
This seems to be an international rule, and
though the consequences are not as severe, it is just common courtesy to keep
your voice down. I’m not saying you have to whisper, but try to refrain from
yelling across the carriage. Unless somebody has tried to assault you, in which
case, please yell へんたい {pervert} as loud as you wish.
6.
Don’t use your phone near priority seating
There are signs everywhere for this rule,
however it is not really abided by. Pretty much everyone will be on their
phones near priority seating, texting, playing games, looking at themselves in
their camera. I think the basis of this rule is that, perhaps, the radiation
from phones is bad for pregnant women? Honestly, I have no idea, and so while
it is nice to keep in mind, this rule isn’t really enforced.
There you have it. My host sister’s top six rules for public
transport in Japan. Please remember that, as in other countries, heaps of
locals will break these rules, but that doesn’t always make it okay for you to.
However, if you wish to eat food and apply makeup, whilst speaking loudly and
swearing to your friend on the telephone, go for it, you can do what you want.
Just don’t be surprised if those actions result in several dirty looks in your
direction. Happy training!
-H
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