Riding the train in Japan is a unique and fascinating experience, and for some, it is a daily routine. You have probably already noticed distinct groups of people with very particular characteristics. In this article, we will introduce you to eight types of people you regularly meet on trains in Japan.
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The Sleepers on the Train – Inemuri
Let's start with the most eye-catching type: the beautiful sleepers. Sleeping on the train is part of Japanese culture, and some riders will sprawl out and take up several seats at once. The Japanese can doze off standing or sitting, so it is not unusual to feel someone's head gently lean on your shoulder.
They sleep in all sorts of positions, many of them strange and funny, sometimes with their mouth wide open, and only rarely does anyone end up on the floor. The amazing part is that they always wake up at exactly the right station and continue on their way home or to work. This practice is called inemuri.
The Sumimasen-Sayers
Whether you are on a train or not, you will find this type everywhere in Japan. Even when the carriage is spacious and nearly empty, they somehow manage to bump into you, perhaps while grabbing the door as they get on and off.
Sooner or later, out of sheer etiquette, they will whisper a soft sumimasen, which means "excuse me," "pardon me," or "may I pass" – often before they have even touched you.
They apologize in a way that discreetly nudges you to give up your spot. On the other hand, there are also those who do not move at all and simply wait for you to ask permission before squeezing past.
The Phone Addicts on the Train
You won't see anyone talking loudly on the phone on Japanese trains, but most riders never let go of their smartphones. They are constantly looking at the screen, browsing websites, watching anime, reading, or chatting on LINE.
They will bump into you or nudge you as they walk by, sometimes without even noticing. Whether standing, sitting, or sleeping, the phone simply does not leave their hands.
Those Who Cross the Line
Unfortunately, there are also the infamous gropers, who will do anything to catch a glimpse under a skirt. They take advantage of the packed carriage to grind against schoolgirls, and the victims often stay silent.
Eventually, someone gets arrested for being caught in the act. The problem, however, is not limited to men. Some schoolgirls, sitting in tight spaces, open their legs wide in front of you as if there were no tomorrow – whether out of naïveté or sheer audacity is hard to say.
The Loud Ones on the Japanese Train
Many people assume that since phone calls are banned on Japanese trains, the journey must be completely silent. Until you run into a group of schoolgirls or a noisy clique. They do not whisper – they shout. They talk non-stop and pay no attention to anyone around them.
If you try to ask them to keep it down, they often get even louder. The situation becomes more awkward by the minute, and no one dares step in. Sooner or later, you will see people talking loudly on the train; not everyone realizes they are being loud – for some, it is just second nature.
"This Seat Is Mine"
On Japanese trains, it is quite normal to see pregnant women or elderly passengers standing while the priority seats are taken by perfectly healthy riders. Once a Japanese person sits down, they rarely give up their seat before their own stop. Some think about it, but the mutual embarrassment gets in the way.
Even when someone does stand up to offer the seat to an elderly woman, she often refuses and prefers to keep standing – as if pretending to feel younger. And of course, another young rider will quickly take the empty seat.
The Anti-Socials on the Japanese Train
The vast majority of Japanese passengers do not exchange a single word. Shyness dominates the journey, and the chance of getting to know a stranger is slim. Nobody takes the initiative, and even if you start a conversation, the words rarely flow easily.
In reality, many Japanese feel anxious about striking up a conversation, especially with a foreigner. The language barrier makes them unsure of how to help. At the same time, passengers constantly stare at each other – not just at foreigners, but also at each other, particularly across genders.
These are just a few of the types you will encounter on Japanese trains. There are plenty more curious characters to discover throughout your journeys across Japan. Remember one we didn't mention? Tell us in the comments! Thanks for sharing – you may also enjoy reading:
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