03 Why do Japanese train stations do that?

Today's Question

On this episode of Ichimon Japan we ask: Why do Japanese train stations do that?

Topics Discussed

• The train system in rural areas versus urban areas in Japan
• Trains in Kagoshima and Ishikawa
• What a Wanmanressha (one man trains) is
• Unmanned rural train stations
• Why Japanese train stations use cute songs to indicate a train is about to depart
• Hasshamero (train departure melodies)
• The use of Nogizaka46's song "Kimi no Na wa Kibō" as a train departure melody
• The logic behind train departure melodies
• A brief history of train departure melodies in Japan
• How the song "Yappa Sukiyanen" by Uashiki Takajin was adapted into a train departure melody after his death in 2014
• How Osaka locals prefer to use "Umeda" when referring the the area in and around JR Osaka Station
• Why there are lines and numbers on the train platforms
• How to line up when waiting for a train
• Women only train cars
• The use of high-pitched noises (17 khz) to disperse people loitering at train stations in Japan
• Standing versus walking on escalators
• How Japanese railway companies are trying to get people to only walk on escalators
• Japanese people's reluctance to stop walking on escalators
• Why standing on escalators can be faster than walking
• Why Japanese train stations use blue LED lights on platforms
• The claim that blue LED lights are extremely effective at preventing suicide
• The role of seken no me (世間の目, the public gaze/the eye of society) on Japanese trains and at Japanese train stations
• Train etiquette
• The claim that cell phones interfere with pacemakers
• Putting on makeup on Japanese trains
• And more!

We Want Your Questions

Is there something about Japan that confuses you? Is there something about Japanese culture that you would like to learn more about? Is there something in Japanese history that you would like us to explain? We're always looking for new questions about Japan to answer, so if you have one, please send it to ichimon@japankyo.com.

Special Thanks

Opening/Closing Theme: Produced by Apol (YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, Fiverr)

Ichimon Japan cover art: Produced by Erik R.

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