Tokyo Trains
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117)
Thu 2008/05/22 13:39
Japanese train times are so accurate that you can (usually) set your watch by them. They are usually neat n tidy and there are stations everywhere - Tokyo train map in English for you.
But there are a few problems including suicide (person being mopped off tracks here), men touching women, innocent men being accused of touching women, smelly men on trains, serious overcrowding, being dragged to death by trains etc. But whats worse than all of this?
This is a sign at Azabujuban station that says "do it at home." No they are not referring to the act of dolphin waxing but are actually talking about putting on makeup while on the train.
Many Japanese get very annoyed at this and was wondering what you think. I don't see why people should get so annoyed - its not as if these makeup girls are talking out aloud on their phone or touching people - if one does not like it then don't look at them - is what I think.
But there is one thing that you cant avoid - the toxic gas of somebodies fart. You can try to ignore it but it will seep into your nostrils deep into your lungs. It will wrap around you and embrace your soul. Me thinks they should have a "Fart at home" sign instead.
Out of the following, what annoys you the most? Loud mobile talkers, smelly farters or makeup girls? or is there something else?
For folks who have been to Japan, how does Japanese train manners compare to folks back in your region?
Todays Japanese lesson. "Onara" [おなら] = fart. The act of farting in your hand (where you would then release in somebodies face) is called "Nigippe" [握屁].
But there are a few problems including suicide (person being mopped off tracks here), men touching women, innocent men being accused of touching women, smelly men on trains, serious overcrowding, being dragged to death by trains etc. But whats worse than all of this?
This is a sign at Azabujuban station that says "do it at home." No they are not referring to the act of dolphin waxing but are actually talking about putting on makeup while on the train.
Many Japanese get very annoyed at this and was wondering what you think. I don't see why people should get so annoyed - its not as if these makeup girls are talking out aloud on their phone or touching people - if one does not like it then don't look at them - is what I think.
But there is one thing that you cant avoid - the toxic gas of somebodies fart. You can try to ignore it but it will seep into your nostrils deep into your lungs. It will wrap around you and embrace your soul. Me thinks they should have a "Fart at home" sign instead.
Out of the following, what annoys you the most? Loud mobile talkers, smelly farters or makeup girls? or is there something else?
For folks who have been to Japan, how does Japanese train manners compare to folks back in your region?
Todays Japanese lesson. "Onara" [おなら] = fart. The act of farting in your hand (where you would then release in somebodies face) is called "Nigippe" [握屁].
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Sun 05/11 21:26 comments (177)
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Thu 05/08 23:26 comments (99)
make up girls or loud cellphone talkers are not such a biggy, but the farts...o my...u just cant escape it
(ID #193696) Posted on 2008/05/22 13:46
Thats true!
(ID #193960) Posted on 2008/05/23 00:15
You can, if you keep surgery masks in your pocket. At first signs, do wear 'em ^^;
(ID #194026) Posted on 2008/05/23 01:28
Except surgical masks while being acceptable in Asia, are not acceptable in North America. Alot of people in the States make fun of those in Japan who wear them. Yes we're jerks.
(ID #194378) Posted on 2008/05/23 08:52
Informatics(ComSci-ish) student/self-taught graphic designer and illustrator
If I remember correctly, the surgical masks are actually used by people who are sick because they don't want others to catch it from them ^_^
(ID #299308) Posted on 2008/09/13 01:12
i'll have to agree with u...and just smelly ppl in general bugs me
(ID #194379) Posted on 2008/05/23 09:04
I just ONARA reding this article, jaja...
(ID #194533) Posted on 2008/05/23 13:16
オタク all day long
Yea, make up girls or loud cellphone are the worse. I don't understand why girls don't do make up at home?
(ID #195176) Posted on 2008/05/24 03:34
"Do it at home" makes sense. What I find the most annoying are smelly farts that last for hours and loud cellphone speakers. I'm not sure how are girls putting makeup on the train is annoying... I'd find it lovely seeing a cute japanese girl putting on makeup. Alright! Thanks for the Tokyo Train Map, Danny.
(ID #193701) Posted on 2008/05/22 13:57
part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
I think the worst is BO NO escape o_o
(ID #193703) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:03
Policy & Research Officer
Yeah I agree. BO are scary ... especially on a crowded train.
(ID #193710) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:18
オタク all day long
What is BO?
(ID #195177) Posted on 2008/05/24 03:35
Body odors, if I'm not mistaken.
(ID #195398) Posted on 2008/05/24 09:08
the thing that annoys me the most is not farts... or makeup... nor is it phone-talkers... it's those really smelly people... that ugh... just smell horrible =_=... Like... they haven't taken a shower in the last week or something =____=
(ID #193704) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:05
Fledgling repowriter
They stink because *they have not been home* in three days. Too many marathon sessions at the office, followed by attempts to relax at the local karaoke place or izakaya. !=)}
(ID #194730) Posted on 2008/05/23 16:36
Administrative Assistant
Well, I've dealt with bad BO before. Got a friend who sometimes has some nasty BO. to the point where I'll roll down car windows a little in sub zero weather. But loud Cell phone talkers bug the heck outta me. Wanna just reach over and shove the phone down their throat (Or other fitting orifice)
(ID #193712) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:19
T'would be a suitable punishment.
(ID #193725) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:32
Fledgling repowriter
But then *your* hand would smell of *that* orifice. Other train riders would then outwardly cringe if they saw you reaching for the support strap with that same hand.
(ID #194732) Posted on 2008/05/23 16:39
Eating is a no no too. As far as farting goes, I wish there was a way to suck out those fart particles that enter your membrane.
(ID #193714) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:20
Student Otaku (ITM Student) and ACG NA Staff
It must be hell being on a train or subway in the morning...
(ID #193717) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:23
-Begins rant mode- Oy Danny, good timing. There was a guy in the bus today that was talking with his girlfriend over the phone, and to not be discreet he was. At first he was all kind and gentle to her and began to utter she was emotionally abusive to him. What is worse than criticizing your girlfriend first (bad move) for her behavior on your relatives, then complain about all what's mean she does to you (even worse) and empty your bag (your relation is going downhill for sure, buddy)? To do it in front of people who don't give a rat's crap (and I was seated next to him, talk about cursed). And this guy had quite the crappy taste in terms of ringtone... Tarzan's trademark shout. Darn. Gosh, I already hated people randomly talking on their cellphones because I really believe they talk alone, but when they get loud like that... Gah! -End of rant-
(ID #193722) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:28
I meant a rat's behind. Sorry.
(ID #193724) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:30
University Student.
I'm always annoyed by loud talkers, or those who blasts music off their handphones. BO is also another issue, why can't people keep themselves clean or at least minimum smell free? Two thing I really like about Japan's trains when I visited, was the accuracy of train timings, and mainly the fact that the people are disciplined enough to let those in the train to get off first before making their way in. Here in Singapore, we have people forcing their way in just after the door opens, and not giving way to those trying to exit. Really pisses me off.
(ID #193726) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:33
Geek Liaison
Well at least they are not putting on their makeup on a train and not while driving a car. It's amazing what I've seen some people doing while the are operating a car.
(ID #193728) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:42
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
I wonder why a girl applying makeup on a train is a big deal... one thing I can think of is it ruins the magic of seeing a pretty lady once you see them without the makeup. ^^ then again if the train suddenly stop one might end up applying lipstick on another person's face. ^^; about annoying people on trains, the smelly, crowding or loud mobile talkers I can take, it's the "last second dashing towards the train door squishing innocent bystander" kind that I want to Sparta kick off the train. I remember you mentioned that happens in Japan as well, I wonder if they have it in other countries?
(ID #193729) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:43
marvin (Registered on 2006/12/25 00:54)
btw just a curious but stupid question, is the "O" on Onara, honorific? ^^;
(ID #193738) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:05
CEO MIrai Inc
Not sure but never heard "nara" on its own.
(ID #193748) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:22
Yeah... farting in a cramped environment is never cool...
(ID #193731) Posted on 2008/05/22 14:46
Software Engineer
Just this morning i saw a girl doing exactly that, her eyebrows i mean, and wanted to get my camera out but didn't .... ahhh .... wish i had now.
(ID #193737) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:04
u mean eye lashes right? lol
(ID #194381) Posted on 2008/05/23 09:08
I would imagine one of the concerns about applying makeup in the train is for the safety of the person. Mascara (or whatever that lady is using) and other makeup applicators are kind of pointy... what happens if she's holding it up near her eyes and the train makes a sudden lurch or something? Ouch. Or maybe train officials just don't want to see any women before they've been prettied up...
(ID #193744) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:17
Safety issues indeed. Trains (or buses or taxis) are not the most stable or safest place for that, right?
(ID #194031) Posted on 2008/05/23 01:30
if the tracks and wheels are good then trains are really stable. One damaged point can break this though and then doing stuff really close to your eyes would be dangerous. Such damage can appear by just one train emergency braking. The curved track in a turnout can also shake the whole train. This is my first thought when I read about this sign. The railroad will not risk people injuring their eyes if they can risk taking the blame in court and/or in the media.
(ID #194108) Posted on 2008/05/23 02:57
I was more thinking about moments when the train quits the station or brakes when arriving at it. And I'm not even talking about curves in tracks.
(ID #194376) Posted on 2008/05/23 08:41
Tokyo trains don't lurch, do they? Aren't they perrfectly smooth? I guess makeup is in the category of personal hygiene? I'm always fascinated about the amount of people applying makeup, wet, just showered hair, doing their ties-- its messy? Anti-social even? But I like observing. But when one doesn't can't make-up on the train, what time does one have..?
(ID #193752) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:24
Where I reside make-up, farts, and cell phones may sometime be the least of one's worries. Many times, you deal with filthy train cars covered in filth, aggressive panhandlers and loud-mouth passengers with far too much built up anger. The following video is footage from a recent incident that made news within the area. Personally, I have been witness to scenes as crazy as or even crazier than this when riding. - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-NZtGz_7WI0 That is why I generally avoid trains and any other type of mass transit. On a somewhat similar note, I heard that this girl had been apprehended by authorities--THANK GOODNESS.
(ID #193754) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:28
I should note that the video does contain some abusive and offensive language. If for some reason you have some apprehension to derogatory language, then I would advise you to avoid watching the video.
(ID #193756) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:31
Student of Computer Science
When I was in Japan (three years ago), my experience in the trains was great. Compared to trains here, well actually to trains I've been to because where I am there are no trains at all, but to places I've been (Europe, USA, Mexico City) Japanese trains are the best.
(ID #193755) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:29
Procrastinator Extraordinaire
i hate people who walk around and use their cellphones like a walkie talkie. it gets really annoying but i guess thats what we have MP3 players for.
(ID #193758) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:36
Student, Spiral Warrior
The Taibei MRT is pretty sweet, though it does get rather crowded (though not nearly so bad as Tokyo trains, I'm told). As for the makeup issue, as some people have suggested, perhaps it's a matter of safety – a mascara applicator in the eye would certainly not be pleasant. Moreover, though, it seems kind of impolite, almost, to do something like that in public. I imagine prevailing Japanese sentiment would demand that such toilette be carried out privately. Maybe they should start a new sign campaign, showing a lady in a bathrobe with her hair in curlers and green stuff all over her face, brushing her teeth on the train, with the caption: "You wouldn't do all this on a train."
(ID #193759) Posted on 2008/05/22 15:38
Sweet idea!
(ID #194036) Posted on 2008/05/23 01:32
DCX001-Prototype
another Danny's sense of humor make my day ^^. Learn new word today & now awared that we can grab owr own fart & cover it on someone else face, wah ahhaha.
(ID #193766) Posted on 2008/05/22 16:04
Engineering research
*take notes* Ahh words one can never find in a textbook or dictionary. Danny, you have my thanks =D
(ID #193771) Posted on 2008/05/22 16:29
Full-time student へへ
me guilty of releasing some ^^. but it was only this one time...
(ID #193775) Posted on 2008/05/22 16:43
Ah, I just wrote this poem for my English class. It's all based on riding the train experience. Try not to take it too personally. Annoyed Passenger <-----(Title) I hate it when people yawn, sharing their bad breath I hate how people cross their legs, especially if they start kicking I hate it when people tap to their music, both hands and feet I hate it when people smell, like they haven’t bathe for weeks. I hate it when people turn up their music, so loud that even I can hear it I hate how people spit, like it doesn’t matter here. I hate it when people litter, when the garbage can’s right there. I hate not having better options, and I hate myself for hating everything.
(ID #193776) Posted on 2008/05/22 16:44
I really should have added some specific references to being a train ride.
(ID #193777) Posted on 2008/05/22 16:47
Online Shop
I didn't realize Japanese people are annoyed at people doing make ups in train. I hardly see it when I was there but it wouldn't annoy me too much. I would not like to see loud mobile phone talkers but not many people do that inside the train due to the manner policy so that's tolerable too. Fart gas would be fatal for sure...
(ID #193782) Posted on 2008/05/22 17:07
Farts are terrible...but sometimes unavoidable. I might be guilty of occasionally farting in a crowded street, but I always make a swift escape. Me thinks they should start a common practice of alerting surrounding people of an oncoming fart. It'll make people laugh, it'll be a silly moment, and it'll avoid putting people into a bad mood; ultimately, increasing the level of happiness in the world.
(ID #193794) Posted on 2008/05/22 17:38
student
How embarrassing to do that... "hey guys, I'm gonna fart now". With friends...maybe, but around total strangers I think it's better to keep quiet ^^
(ID #193805) Posted on 2008/05/22 18:10
五〇一軍团 TK8316 Singapore Garrison Public Relations Officer
i hate it when the person next to me blast his music loudly for everyone to hear. >.<
(ID #193797) Posted on 2008/05/22 17:44
mahou kishi
I hate people who push even if the train is empty
(ID #193798) Posted on 2008/05/22 17:48
Web Developer (i.e. Otaku)
I saw a lot of that in Japan, it was almost as if they thought this stupid gaijin wouldn't know how to use a door.
(ID #193876) Posted on 2008/05/22 21:55
IT-Architect, SysAdmin, WebDesign and Coding, Virtualization (VMware + NetApp)
Farts are bad... indeed... even if you combine them with summer and BO-people. Such stuff brings me close to faint. Maybe that makeup stuff isn't wanted if the train stops and the person stabs it's eye due the stoping train? ^^; In germany trains tend to stop rather harsh so here it would make sense in kind of safety reasons and i never have seen someone put up makeup on a german train.
(ID #193813) Posted on 2008/05/22 18:30
Nigippe. I learnt a new word today! I don't know what the fuss is about. It's not like they're endangering anybodies lives. I've seen some ladies doing the very same thing while they're behind the wheel at a red light. That's equally as dangerous as toxic fart gas!
(ID #193826) Posted on 2008/05/22 18:52
Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
Loud talkers, definitely. Why? Farts and BO are sometimes unavoidable. Some people just have it, some don't even know they have it. I mean, it bothers me a lot... but I can understand. But people who keep shouting and screaming on cellphones, this is just pure disrespect to others. A complete lack of consideration. But girls doing make-up on trains... nah, no problem at all. Maybe it's not because people don't like it, maybe it's for safety reasons? Also, it all depends on how much make up the ladies are doing, right? I mean, putting a lipstick and other minor stuff, no problem. Specially with long commuting times, sometimes people need to do some stuff on trains to save some time.
(ID #193828) Posted on 2008/05/22 18:54
Designer
fart at you home LOL jesus! im agree, manytimes i cant understand japaneses rules i dont care if a girl is doing make up on the train
(ID #193836) Posted on 2008/05/22 19:02
soon-to-be 2nd year Civil Engineering student
i'm usually on earbuds when i'm in trains so loud mobile talkers aren't such a biggy. body odour and occasional farts are a no-no.
(ID #193856) Posted on 2008/05/22 20:28
Illustrator & Designer
I don't get annoyed at seeing girls doing their makeup on trains or in the car while driving in peak hour traffic. I find it quite fascinating really, kind of like a live performance of Photoshop sometimes depending on the subject and the artist. ;) So between loud mobile talkers versus smelly farters, I'd actually choose smelly farters surprisingly. See smelly farters eventually fades away and you can always pinch your nose and stop breathing for a few seconds. As much as I hate bad smells, when it's loud mobile talkers, you can't really shut your ears can you?
(ID #193860) Posted on 2008/05/22 20:42
what I really hate is when im hinking on my life, or hearing musci, or just sleepy and then suddenly someone with a guitar enter the train and starts singing/playing the guitar and asking for money.
(ID #193866) Posted on 2008/05/22 21:18
Web Developer (i.e. Otaku)
> Japanese train times are so accurate that you can (usually) set your watch by them. I don't know about that, my train from Kawasaki to Tokyo was 2 minutes late. That was incidentally, the only delay I had in 2 weeks holiday in Japan. Here in the UK, a 2 minute delay wouldn't even be classed as a delay.
(ID #193874) Posted on 2008/05/22 21:53
Try riding some of the subway trains around here in the U.S., they will scare you. Talking on cellphones, makeup girls....guys getting a quick feel???......man, your life is at risk every time you get on one of those things around here. You're more concerned about safety and not getting mugged, than casually annoyed. I guess that is the difference between Japan and America though.
(ID #193879) Posted on 2008/05/22 22:00
The trains in Japan does seem awesome, though the minor flaws. The most annoying would be the loud cellphone talker, the makeup girls aren't annoying and I have never seen it here in Sweden.
(ID #193890) Posted on 2008/05/22 22:15
Part trooper, part -timer, 100% loser...
I'm used to loud noises... I've never smelled or heard anybody fart in the trains here before... Talking about smelly smells, everything can be solved using one thing, DEODORANT...
(ID #193900) Posted on 2008/05/22 22:30
Japanese's people are mostly quite the same than folks on the Paris subway (the smelling, lousy talk on cellphone, etc...) except that we are more galant with old people, pregant women and other handicap people. I don't say that parisians are perfect gentlemen (we are far from that), but there is no japanese gentleman at all in the subway. Spending one month in Tokyo I've never seen a Japanese man or woman leave there seat to an elder one.
(ID #193904) Posted on 2008/05/22 22:37
Generally can't stand it when there is a riot for nothing, thus people speaking loud in their mobile phones or peoples playing the big man so everyone can hear/see it is very annoying. Just good that these kind of things occurs rarely. Don't see any problems with makeup girls.
(ID #193909) Posted on 2008/05/22 22:51
IIRC, for many people in Japan, a lady who's publicly putting on make-up make them look like whores. Forgot where I read that.
(ID #193924) Posted on 2008/05/22 23:09
"[...] make her* look like a whore." Sorry, typo
(ID #193929) Posted on 2008/05/22 23:18
The trams in my city are pure horror, youngsters that listen to music on their mobile phones, so everyone has to hear it, are probably the worst, they're everywhere! Even on the bus where there's less space. People are too scared to tell them that they should turn it off, because they always walk around in groups listening to their gangster rap shit and they're aggressive as hell. I've seen pretty much everything: Children getting pushed in front of trams, "ghetto" kids insulting old people, fights, threatening and more. Most people use the trams because it's easy to get around town with them, so the trains are less crowded and a lot safer, that's why I use them all the time.
(ID #193925) Posted on 2008/05/22 23:10
Assembly line worker, nationally certified madman
Yeah, it's the same here. Fer crying out loud kids, it's a cellphone, not a ghetto blaster. The bad sound quality makes that crappy ganster stuff sound even worse.
(ID #194096) Posted on 2008/05/23 02:40
