Japanese Features puzzling practice Society and Customs train ride

Japanese "Pushing" Behavior

Japanese people have been known to be well-behaved.  Do you basically agree with this?  

Do you recall the time (the year 2011) when a disastrous earthquake hit the northern part of Japan (the Tohoku Region)?  The earthquake caused "Tsunami" and wrecked the Region.  Of course, a lot of people died.  Some of you may have seen people lining up to get water and food.  People around the world were amazed at the scene and wondered how Japanese people could wait for the very basic necessities in an orderly line and even show some respects to others in such a heart-wrenching disaster.

In general, Japanese people care about and show their concerns to others, not just minding their own business.  This must be their virtue.  They could be role models for how to behave at the time of emergency.

This is less crowded than the train car during morning rush hours.  

One thing we find contradictory to our appraisal of them is seen in a daily routine: when Japanese people get on a train during rush hours.  

Japanese people wait in line in orderly- and well-mannered way until the train comes into the platform.  It is understandable that they have to push themselves into the very crowed train.  Or station staff literally push them into the train.  They cannot miss the train to get to work in time.  Some people are polite and say "Sumimasen" (English: Pardon me) in getting on the train.

However, they usually do not say anything when they push themselves in to the tightest slot on the train.  This is their routine!  Get prepared for this unusual but somewhat unique experience of the train ride with Japanese people.  You COULD even experience a sweaty arm touching yours in the crowded train in summer.

There are some possible ways to avoid this unique experience.  If you are a traveler, avoid the rush hour train, especially during morning rush hours.  Otherwise, you might be pretty disappointed at this peculiar behavior, from the people known for being courteous.

If you are a regular commuter, you COULD use English to get people's attention or let them know your discomfort.  For example, standing in the middle of the crowded train car, you find it not easy to get off.  Then, you just say loud "Excuse me" in English.

These two words are enough for sure.  You should be assertive and behave aggressively, instead of muttering "Sumimasen, Orimasu (English: Excuse me, I am getting off)."  People around you definitely notice you and make "the path" leading to the exit door.  We tried and this worked!!  Good luck!