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!
For more visit Japankyo.com
https://www.japankyo.com/ichimonjapan


Support on Patreon
https://www.japankyo.com/patreon


Follow on social media
https://www.facebook.com/japankyonews
https://www.twitter.com/japankyonews