Why I Want to Talk About Commuting
Today, I would like to talk about what my daily commute is like.
What is considered normal in Japan is often not normal at all in other countries.
Recently, when I watch YouTube, I often see videos posted by travelers visiting Japan.
Some of them upload footage of the crowded Yamanote Line, clearly shocked by how packed the trains are.
For me, as a Japanese person, this is an entirely ordinary sight.
My Commute to Work
My company starts work at 9:00 a.m.
The office is located near Kanda Station, next to Tokyo Station.
My home, however, is in Fuchu City, a suburban area of Tokyo.
Every morning, I walk to the nearest station, take the Keio Line, transfer to the subway, get off at the station closest to my office, and then walk to work.
From door to door, the commute takes about one and a half hours.
The actual time spent riding trains is about one hour.
Because of this, I wake up at 7:00 a.m., get ready in about 30 minutes, and leave home by 7:30 a.m.
For salarymen living around Tokyo, this kind of commute is very common.
Why This Commute Surprises People
When I tell overseas business partners about my commute, they are often surprised.
People from rural areas of Japan are also surprised.
In many regional areas, public transportation is limited, and commuting by car is the norm.
A commute of several tens of minutes by car is quite common.
In that sense, I think daily life in rural Japan is actually closer to that of many other countries.
Crowded, but Not Uncomfortable
So, how crowded are the trains?
They are not so packed that you cannot move at all, but every available space is filled with standing passengers.
Even so, once you get used to it, commuting can feel surprisingly comfortable.
That is because the time spent on the train is often the only time in the day when I am truly alone.
I can do whatever I like.
In the past, I often read books.
Now, with smartphones, I usually play games or check social media.
In fact, I am writing this article on the train on my way home.
Why Japanese Trains Are Quiet
Train cars in Japan are very quiet.
This is something many people misunderstand.
There is no rule that says passengers must remain completely silent.
People are quiet simply because they are usually alone.
When Japanese people ride trains with family or friends, they do talk.
However, they speak in low voices.
Because the train is quiet, normal conversation can easily be heard by everyone in the car.
A Real Risk of Being Overheard
This is something I heard from someone else.
While riding a train with a coworker, they talked about confidential information.
By coincidence, an employee from a rival company happened to be in the same car and overheard it, leading to an information leak.
I have had a similar experience myself.
Sometimes, just by listening, you can tell that the person sitting in front of you works in the same industry.
Manners on Japanese Trains
Phone calls are prohibited on trains.
Eating and talking are not officially banned,
but they are widely regarded as bad manners, especially if they disturb others.
Speaking loudly or causing noise is considered unacceptable.
That is why Japanese trains are quiet.
Not because of strict rules,
but because people try to avoid bothering others.
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