Day in the Life of a Japanese Train Conductor

Summary

This video follows Takaya, a 23-year-old train conductor working at Joshi Electric Railway in Chiba, Japan. It details his daily routine, from his morning preparations and interactions with colleagues to his responsibilities throughout the day, such as ensuring train safety and assisting passengers. The video highlights Takaya's passion for trains, rooted in childhood memories, and his dedication to his work. Despite the small, unhurried nature of his workplace, Takaya enjoys the tranquil atmosphere and close connections with the community, making it a fulfilling career for him.

Takeaways

• 😀 Takaya, a 23-year-old train conductor, lives in Chiba, Japan, and works for Joshi Electric Railway, transporting passengers over a 6.4 km stretch.
• 😀 Takaya studied railroad travel at a specialized university and worked at a security company before landing his job at the railway, fulfilling his childhood dream.
• 😀 His workday begins with a breathalyzer test, a standard procedure for Japanese train conductors to ensure sobriety.
• 😀 Takaya performs tasks like issuing tickets, synchronizing schedules with other staff, and ensuring safety by following traditional procedures like flagging trains.
• 😀 The train block system in Japan is designed to prevent collisions, and Takaya passes physical tickets to drivers to authorize them to enter the block zone.
• 😀 Takaya’s work also involves managing ticket sales, with passengers purchasing tickets in person at the station’s booth, as the station lacks an automatic ticket machine.
• 😀 The job requires strict adherence to punctuality, as even a minute's delay can result in public apologies, a testament to Japan's high standards for train schedules.
• 😀 Despite being shy, Takaya enjoys the interactions with passengers, which was a challenge at first but has since become a rewarding part of his job.
• 😀 The station uses an honor system for unmanned stations, where passengers rely on their integrity to buy tickets, a common practice in rural Japan.
• 😀 Takaya enjoys the relaxed and friendly atmosphere of his current job, which contrasts with the fast-paced environment of Tokyo's railway system.
• 😀 Takaya’s day also involves various small tasks such as helping customers over the phone and assisting with on-the-job training for new employees.

Q & A

What is Takaya's job, and where does he work?

Takaya is a train conductor, working at Joshi Dentetsu (Joshi Electric Railway) in Chiba, Japan. His main job involves transporting passengers on a 6.4 km stretch from Choichi to Tokawa Station.

Why did Takaya move to Choichi, and how did he secure his job?

Takaya moved to Choichi to be closer to his workplace and secure his job. He initially worked at a security company for a few years before finally landing a job as a train conductor, which was his dream.

How does Takaya get to work every day?

Takaya commutes to work by car, which takes him about 10 minutes, as he lives close to his workplace.

What is required of Takaya before starting his shift?

Before starting his shift, Takaya must perform a breathalyzer test to ensure he has not been drinking, which is a standard procedure for train conductors in Japan. He also performs a handover with the night shift worker.

How does Takaya ensure trains are allowed to enter certain sections of the track?

Takaya uses a traditional block system to ensure trains can only enter a specific section of track after the train currently in that section has left, preventing collisions. He also passes a physical flag to the driver, indicating whether it's safe to enter.

What is Takaya's role with regard to the ticketing system?

Takaya is responsible for handling ticket sales, especially in the absence of an automated ticket machine. He serves passengers, issues tickets, and assists customers with their inquiries.

What is the significance of punctuality in Takaya's job?

Punctuality is extremely important in Japan's railway system. Even a small delay is considered unacceptable, and train operators are expected to make official apology announcements if delays occur.

What are some aspects of Takaya's childhood that influenced his career choice?

Takaya has fond memories of his childhood when his father would take him on long train rides. He was particularly inspired by the joy he felt while wearing a train conductor's hat, which sparked his dream to work in the railroad industry.

What challenges did Takaya face when starting his career as a train conductor?

One of the main challenges Takaya faced was stepping outside his comfort zone to interact with passengers, as he is naturally a reserved person. However, over time, he has learned to enjoy these interactions.

How does Takaya prefer to work in comparison to other major cities in Japan?

Although Takaya could have worked in Tokyo’s fast-paced railway system, he prefers his current job in Choichi due to the unhurried, friendly atmosphere, which suits his character. He enjoys assisting passengers while surrounded by nature.