Chapter 6.1.3

Japan Society Watch! Train Culture

One of the most "shocking" experiences for first-time visitors to Japanese society is the train commute to work or school in the morning. It's not an exaggeration to say that Japan is so crowded that you can't breathe. In this post, I would like to share with you a "scary yet lucky" story that I experienced during my recent class in Ookayama, as well as to talk about the interesting and polarizing cultural aspects of Tokyo's trams.

You have to be polite even if you're a sardine.

 "How crowded are the trains in Tokyo?"

If you've ever heard of or seen the movie "The Japanese Tram Pusher," you're no stranger to its exaggeration. As many Japanese live in the suburbs of Tokyo, they flock to the city center by tram in the morning to get to work or school, causing the trains to look like cans of sardines at peak times, with almost zero distance between people.

Why are trams so crowded?

Why are trams so crowded? The main reasons are as follows:

1. Separation of place of work from place of residenceMany Japanese people choose to live in the suburbs and commute to the center of Tokyo for work. During peak commuting hours (7am-9am and 5pm-7pm), a large number of people get on the train at the same time, causing the train to be extremely crowded.
2. Efficient Transportation Network: Japan has one of the densest and most efficient rail networks in the world. While this improves the efficiency of transportation in cities, it also means that millions of people rely on trams to commute to work every day, further exacerbating the problem of congestion.
3. Punctual Sexual Culture: Japanese people are extremely time-conscious, and trams run almost every few minutes, which makes it possible to maintain a high frequency of trains even during peak hours without effectively reducing congestion.

As a result, crowded trams have brought about a lot of inconvenience and challenges:

• Physical discomfort: In the narrow compartments, passengers could barely move and had to stand passively or stay close to other passengers.
• Psychological stress: Prolonged crowding and congestion can lead to psychological discomfort and even anxiety.
• Security Issues: Squeezing each other in a crowded environment can result in injuries and, in serious cases, hospitalization.

Tram Etiquette

In order to have a comfortable space for each other on the train, it is better if you follow some Japanese train etiquette.

1. Disembarkation etiquette:
   • Get in line to get in the car: Wait for the train at the designated spot on the platform.
   • First down, then up: When the tram arrives at a stop, passengers are allowed to get off the train first and then board the train after getting off the train.
   • Don't grab the car: Do not rush into the car when the door is about to close to avoid danger.
2. In-car etiquette:
   • Keep quiet: Avoid loud talking, shouting, or letting your headphones out, and keep the car quiet.
   • Cell phone usage: Set your cell phone to silent or vibrate, and basically don't talk inside the car. It may also be advisable to turn off your phone near the priority seats.
   • Backpacks and other items: Please hold the backpack in your arms when squeezing.aheadmaybeluggage rackDon't get in the way.
   • Try to lean in as much as possible.Do not stand in the doorway and block others from getting on or off the bus. When there are many people getting off the bus, please follow the crowd to get off the bus.
   • Priority Seats: You should offer your seat to the elderly, the mobility impaired, pregnant women and passengers with children.
   • Seat use: Do not use bags to occupy the seats, do not open your legs wide, and try to be as close as possible when it is crowded so that more people can be seated.
   • Diet: Basically, avoid eating and drinking in the car, especially food that has a smell. Except for long distance or new routes.
   • Garbage: Please bring your own garbage, as there are usually no garbage cans in the car.

In fact, there are many other small details of etiquette that you can learn from the information below so that you won't be struck off by Japanese people when you ride the train.

The Trolley Idiot.

In Japan, crowded trains provide an opportunity for some people to engage in sexual harassment (癡漢). This phenomenon is known in Japan as "chikan" (ちかん).¹The term "demented" refers to people who sexually harass women in public places. The existence of dementia culture has brought great psychological pressure and insecurity to female passengers. According to a survey conducted by the Japan Minor Short Term Insurance Company, on average, one out of every two female passengers will experience an infidelity, which is very difficult to prevent. However, here are some ways to prevent it and how to deal with it.

Dementia Prevention

In addition to the monitor and posters in the tram, there are several measures that individuals can take to prevent sexual harassment, the main ones being as follows:

1. fromDigi Police, the police department's crime prevention app.
   • Confirmation of Defense Information
     Tap Notifications, News, etc. on the app's home page or menu to view the latest crime information, unsubstantiated character information, and attention alerts. New information will be delivered automatically when push notification is turned on.
   • Defense Map
     Select "Map" or "Crime Prevention Map" in the menu to view the map and confirm the status of crime occurrences and incident information around your current location or in a specified area.
   • Guardianship notices (formerly known as peace of mind notices)
     This function allows you to pre-register your family or friends and notify them of your location by SMS at any time. Go to the setting screen to register the recipients and message contents, and press the button to send the notification.
2. Avoiding crowded time slots and train compartments
   Avoid peak commuting hours as much as possible, or choose relatively empty compartments.
3. Utilization of female-only carriages
   Use women's carriages on routes where they are reserved for women.
4. Note the location of the bus
   Choose a seat near the door or at the edge of the car, where it is easier to escape and more visible to others. Watch your back when standing against a wall.
5. Be aware of your surroundings
   Don't focus too much on your cell phone, etc. Be aware of your surroundings and watch for suspicious behavior.
6. Don't show weakness.
   Keep a firm attitude and wear the headphones on one side only to hear what is going on around you.
7. Use a bag or luggage as protection
   Backpacks are carried in front and bags are placed in front of the body to physically prevent contact.
8. Utilizing demented people to prevent items such as badges
   Wear a badge or object that says "I am against dementia" to intimidate the victim.
9. Leave the scene immediately.
   If you feel suspicious, do not hesitate to change cars or get out of the car.

I've met an idiot.

Some people may think that it is just a chance encounter, and it is difficult to distinguish whether it is a demented person or not, you can use the following methods to make a simple judgment:

1. Not just once, but several times over and over again.
2. The car intentionally touches itself by shaking in various ways, and there are no words of apology.
3. Situations that make you physically uncomfortable by touching them maliciously.

It is important to remain calm but act quickly if you are being sexually harassed, here are some specific ways to deal with it:

1. Explicit expression of refusal
   Shout the following sentence out loud to let those around you know. If possible, grab the abuser's hand as this will help identify the perpetrator.
   • "やめてください! (Chinese: Please stop!)"
   • "Idiot! （This is sexual harassment!"
2. Ask around for help
   • Use the Police Department's crime prevention app, Digi Police.
     • Sexual harassment repellent and burglar alarm functions
       The application has a function to display a screen to prevent sexual harassment and to sound a loud alarm. Selecting the appropriate item from the menu and clicking on it will activate the function, which displays a warning screen such as "I'm being sexually harassed, please help me" and emits a warning tone. (※Please be aware of your surroundings when using the device in a public place.)
     • 110 report.
       In case of emergency, you can dial 110 directly from the button in the application, which usually has a confirmation screen to avoid inadvertent contact.Use only in a true emergency.
   • Shout the following sentences to nearby passengers to ask for specific help. If possible, ask someone to be a witness.
     • "This person is a sex maniac! （This person is a sexual harasser!"
     • "Who will help me? (Chinese:誰來幫我!)"
3. Leave the scene immediately.
   If possible, leave the scene immediately and transfer to another train or get off at the next stop.
4. Press the emergency button in the car.
   In case of emergency, you can press the "SOS button" inside the compartment to inform the driver.
5. Report the incident to station staff or the police immediately
   Immediately after exiting the train, report the incident to station personnel, the police station or the police.
   Remember to give as much detail as possible about what time, which route, which car (which car) it took place, and the characteristics of the perpetrator (clothing, hairstyle, items carried, etc.).
6. Retention of evidence
   If there are marks on the hands or clothing of the person who grabbed the aggressor, tell them. If you have witnesses, get their contact information or ask them to accompany you to speak to station staff.
7. Don't suffer alone.
   It is never your fault if you experience sexual harassment, always seek help from someone you trust (family, friends, police, counseling window, etc.).

Although it may be tempting to panic, it is important to take action gradually. Having the courage to call out for help and asking for help will not only protect you, but also help prevent future harm.

Supplement ①: How to use "Digi Police" app (Translated by our website)

Supplement ②: Airdrop's Anti-Crime Methods for Idiots (Translated by our own website)

Don't panic if you lose an item.

I wonder if anyone has ever forgotten something on the train and suddenly found it after getting off the train and didn't know what happened? In fact, I also have this experience, and I am going to share with you how I recovered my lost items.

In the event of a loss, the following steps are recommended.

The process of recovering lost property

In the event of a lost item (for example, on the Tokyu Line), the following steps are recommended.

1. Contact Us
   • Nearest station office
     • Immediately report to the station staff at the next station (you may consult the station master's office or the gate)
     • Provide a detailed description of the lost item(s), date and time of loss, vehicle number and seat location.
   • Tokyu Lost & Found Center
     • Phone: 03-3477-0109 (reception hours 9:00-17:00, closed during the year-end and New Year holidays)
     • Provide a detailed description of the lost item(s), date and time of loss, vehicle number and seat location.
   • Reporting to the police
     • Prerequisite: the owner did not contact the station on the day of the loss
     • You can refer to the timetable for delivering lost property to the police at stations.
       • Lost items found on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday: delivered to police on Friday
       • Lost items found Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday: delivered to police on Tuesday
     • take note of
       • A portion of small items (umbrellas, clothes or shoes, etc.) will be destroyed outright.
       • Some items may be destroyed in as little as two weeks.
2. Adoption
   • I: My identity document
   • Appointment letter and identity document of the agent are required.

Additional RecommendationsPlease keep a chronological record of lost items and contact your credit card company if you have lost valuables. In principle, the video images from the surveillance cameras in the car will be kept for one week.

Personal Experience

For a while, I had to go to the Ookayama campus of Tokyo Institute of Technology three days a week for classes. Not only did I have to go out in the morning, but I also had to join the "crowded tram" on my way home from class. Luckily, I'm taller, so even though my feet were crowded, I was able to breathe relatively fresh air, and I didn't have to be pressed up against the back of my chest.

One day, I was about to return to Suzukake-dai with a birthday gift for my fellow researchers, including kitchen gloves and a cute apron. However, the train was really crowded, and I was worried that the gift bag would get crushed or wrinkled, so I carefully placed it on the overhead shelf. I kept reminding myself, "Make sure you take it before you get off the train, make sure you take it!

As a result, when I got off the train, all I wanted to do was to rush out of the "human vacuum bag", and my head was already "squeezed", so I really forgot the white bag of gifts on the shelf. When I got out of the tram gate, I suddenly realized that my hands were empty. I realized that I had made a big mistake!

I was shocked because it was a birthday gift that I was going to give out today, and it would be a disaster if I lost it. I quickly looked at the electronic timetable and realized that the train was heading towards the "Central Forest" and would not be able to come back. I was so anxious that I rushed into the stationmaster's office without saying a word.

"I'm sorry, I left something on the train, can you help me find it?" I asked anxiously. I asked anxiously.

"What does it look like? What does it look like?" The kind station master immediately took out a pen and paper and prepared to record it.

"Kitchen gloves and an apron, but since it was a gift it came in a white bag," I replied.

"I see. What's the name? What train did you lose it on?" The stationmaster continued to ask.

"My name is Zero. I fell on the rush train that was going to the Central Forest." I answered again.

"I'll get in touch with you, please wait," the station manager said, starting the call.

---After a while--

"The station master handed me this flyer, "Because this train is going to go back to Shibuya later, it may not be ready until tomorrow.

"What should I do? It's an important gift. I can't not give it today!" I was anxious.

"So, uh... Oh, that train will be coming back to Nagatsuida... Remember how many cars you fell in?" The station master suddenly thought.

"First, yes, first carriage!" I replied hastily.

"Let me check the clock...uh? Isn't it time to get off the bus? Come on! Come with me," the stationmaster said, bursting out of the stationmaster's office.

I just followed him down to the other platform.

「請暫停請暫停，要幫忙協尋」站長拿著無線電喊道。

"Excuse me, please wait for a moment." The train captain made an announcement asking everyone to wait.

"Follow me. Have you seen yours?" The station master accompanied me in my search.

"Here it is! I found it!" I shouted in excitement.

"Okay, you go out first!" The station master said and helped me to take my things away.

"OK, we're good to go! It's okay to close," the station manager radioed back.

"Thank you for waiting, this train is going to Shibuya..." the conductor announced again.

"Oh my god, I'm so sorry I made the whole bus wait for 3 seconds to look for my lost items," I said with a sense of shame and introspection.

"Take care of it! Feelings are important! It's for the girls, right?" the station master reassured.

"I'm really sorry, but I wanted to send it out today because it's the birthday of my labmates, so I'm really sorry, and I'm really thankful for your help." I kept apologizing and thanking you.

"It's okay, I know what you're feeling, just give them the gift!" The station master laughed.

"Yes! Thank you so very, very much!" I bowed 90 degrees to him.

After this incident, it occurred to me that often when we encounter a "minor delay" on the tram, it is not just due to a signal or an accident, but also due to someone forgetting something and needing to find it on the spot. These incidents may only take a few minutes on the platform or in the train, but behind the scenes there are many staff members working hard to communicate and carry out their duties.

In addition, my Japanese classmates said, "I was told that the staff on the Tokyu-Tenland Metropolitan Line are very helpful, but on some public lines, they may be busy or have a lot of things to do, so they can't respond as quickly. Anyway, I am really glad that I met this station manager who was willing to help me when I needed help.

Trivia

Japanese train culture has both a dark side and a good side. While the "idiot" news often makes you sigh in frustration and anger, there are also "warm-hearted station masters" like the one I met this time, who will help you out as quickly as possible to solve your pressing problems.

For me, this little incident, although I feel ashamed, has gone a long way to make up for my "negative impression" of Japanese trams. After all, everyone has their own stressful commute, and it was worth it to have a dedicated worker like this one step in and save my important birthday present.

In the future, I will be more careful with my belongings. After all, although Japan has a high return rate for lost and found items, in a crowded train environment, it takes a lot of time, luck, and the goodwill and efforts of the staff to find lost and found items right away.

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Annotation Area

1. Chikan (ちかん)：The Chinese term for sexual harasser is sexual harassment of another person by means of sexual speech or obscene behavior, and depending on the type of behavior, it may constitute an indecent assault crime under the Penal Code or a violation of the anti-harrassment ordinances of Tokyo and other prefectures. ︎

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Related Resources

• Transportation Manabook - Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau
• Starting Mana in Stations and Trains
• Tram Mana and Lugar
• What is the definition and gravity of the crime of being an obsessive person? Idiots and Minasuric Behavior
• Jippan Minority Short Term Insurance Company, Inc.'s "Survey on Commuter Trabels" (2017)
• Countermeasures for Idiots ｜ Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau
• Stability Guidelines for the Victimization of an Idiot on a Train] On Anata's Safety and Countermeasures.
• Defense Apri デジポリス
• AirDrop (エアドロップ) を悪用した迷惑行為に ... - Hyogo Prefectural Police
• Tokyu Customer Center

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