Observing the Employees Working for the Subway System in Tokyo

On our way back from Shibuya, we rode the Tokyu-Toyoko Line which connects Tokyo and Yokohama. It takes only 25 min from Yokohama station to Shibuya station if you ride the Limited Express.  In Boston, I find that people do not invade your personal space as often on the T. However, in Japan, people can get really close to you on the train (I'm sure some of you have seen videos where employees push people into the train so everyone can fit), and that is why Japan is famous for the ladies-only-car, because there are some people who take advantage of women and men.

Japanese trains are nice ride on if it is not rush hour. Trains tend to be very quiet, people are not allowed to talk on their phones and people respect that, the trains do not squeak - the ride is smooth and fast the whole way, and lastly, most people are respectful of each other and mind their own business. For example, they do not play music loudly out of their earphones. Sometimes if you are being disrespectful, people will shout at you. If you do not like AC in the summer, there are cars which offer less AC (it is clearly noted on the door)!

On the Tokyu-Toyoko line, we managed to stand right by the rear conductor's cabin. Although he was not the one driving, he was concentrated and deliberate for the whole ride. He did not show any sign of boredom, laziness, or emotion in general. He was just working very seriously, as hard as he could. It was very very impressive.