JAPANESE IN TRAINS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 304, 19 September 1936, Page 7

JAPANESE IN TRAINS

Seven “Commandments” The paternalistic didactic spirit in which Government departments and the police look after the manners and morals of the people in Japan has just found a new illustration in a code of instructions to travellers which has been issued by the Railway Department. Incidentally, some of the seven points of this “code” cast a light on certain Japanese travel habits which are apt to strike the foreigner as strange and, in some cases, mildly annoying. The seven commandments of the Railway Department are as follows:— (1) It is objectionable for one person to attempt to occupy a seat for two, especially when the train is crowded, by putting a package- beside him or by having a friend who came to see him off sit beside him until the train starts. (2) It is an especially bad practice to pretend to be asleep when the guard tells you to make room for other passengers.

(3) Parents will be grateful if a child is given a seat. It ik also commendable to assist older people. On the other hand, aged passengers should not force others to help them. (4) Dirty clothing makes it unpleasant for others in the car. (5) Women should refrain from changing their clothes in a train. (6) Passengers in groups who sing at night are not welcome. (7) People should be quiet in a sleep ing-ear. They should not go into other ears, especially the dining-car, in a nigh t-dress.