How to ride a train in Japan | Innovative Japanese Culture

Summary

This lesson provides practical tips on how to navigate packed trains in Tokyo. Ben, on his way to his friend Tai Chi's house, demonstrates key train manners in Japan. The video emphasizes offering seats to pregnant women wearing maternity badges and how to politely exit a crowded train by saying 'sumimasen.' Other useful tips include holding your backpack in front, controlling headphone volume, and avoiding the common mistake of foreign men accidentally boarding women-only cars. Watch the full lesson on Japanesepod101.com for more cultural insights.

Takeaways

• 🚇 **Navigating Crowded Trains**: Learn how to politely ask for space to exit a crowded train in Tokyo.
• 👋 **Greetings**: Use 'Konnichiwa' as a greeting, similar to 'hello' in English.
• 🤰 **Pregnancy Badges**: Pregnant women in Japan wear badges for preferential treatment on public transport.
• 💺 **Offering Seats**: Be considerate and offer your seat to those with a pregnancy badge, like Ben did.
• 🚶‍♂️ **Exiting the Train**: Say 'Sumimasen' to ask for space to move towards the train door.
• 🚪 **Door Protocol**: Passengers near the door should step out momentarily to allow others to exit.
• 🎒 **Bag Etiquette**: Hold your backpack in front of you to prevent it from hitting others on a crowded train.
• 🎧 **Headphone Awareness**: Keep your headphone volume low to avoid disturbing fellow passengers.
• 🚹 **Gender-Specific Cars**: Be aware of women-only cars during rush hours to avoid embarrassing situations.
• 📢 **Avoiding Mishaps**: Learn from common mistakes like accidentally boarding a women-only car.
• 🌐 **Cultural Learning**: Explore more about Japanese culture and language through resources like japanesepod101.com.

Q & A

What should you say if you want to get off a crowded train in Tokyo?

You should say 'Sumimasen, orimasu' which means 'Excuse me, I'm getting off'. This will prompt other passengers to make space for you to exit.

What is a maternity badge, and why is it used in Japan?

A maternity badge is given to pregnant women at stations or local city offices for free. It is worn to indicate that the wearer is pregnant, allowing them to receive preferential treatment, like being offered a seat on crowded trains.

What should passengers near the door do when the train stops at a station?

Passengers standing near the door should step onto the platform when the doors open so that people behind them can get out easily.

How should you carry your backpack on a crowded train in Japan?

You should hold your backpack in front of you. This makes it easier to control and prevents it from bumping into other passengers.

Why is it important to be mindful of headphone volume on a train?

It's important to keep headphone volume low to avoid bothering other passengers with noise, as crowded trains can be quiet spaces.

What are 'women-only cars' on Japanese trains?

Women-only cars are train cars designated exclusively for women during rush hours. They are marked with stickers and are usually located at one end of the train.

What is a common mistake that foreign men make when riding trains in Japan?

A common mistake is accidentally boarding a women-only car, which can be embarrassing since those cars are intended exclusively for women during specific hours.

What is the purpose of stepping out of the train temporarily when standing near the door?

Stepping out temporarily allows passengers behind you to exit the train smoothly, especially during rush hours when the train is very crowded.

Where can pregnant women obtain a maternity badge in Japan?

Pregnant women can obtain a maternity badge at train stations or local city offices, free of charge.

What kind of lesson is being taught in the video transcript?

The lesson is about riding a train in Tokyo, including the etiquette and manners to follow, such as making space for others, using maternity badges, and being aware of women-only cars.