What do Japanese people find most annoying when taking the train?

'Coughing and sneezing without paying attention to people around' are among the top reasons why Japanese people feel uncomfortable when taking the train.

According to a survey conducted by the Japan Private Railway Association on more than 5,300 people on ranking annoying behaviors when riding trains, The Mainichi newspaper reported on December 24. More than 50% of respondents chose “coughing and sneezing,” making it the most annoying action for the first time since it was included in the options in 2019.

Train passengers in Tokyo, Japan

Coughing and sneezing were the sixth most-chosen irritants in 2019 and have risen up the rankings over the years. The railway association has been conducting the survey since 1999. In this year’s survey, conducted in October and November, respondents could choose up to three irritants from 17 options.

The association said the Covid-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of paying attention to others as a norm. Compared to before the pandemic, more people in Japan are now concerned about the risk of infection when they see others coughing or sneezing without wearing masks on the train, a representative of the railway association said.

In the recent survey, the next most annoying behaviors included “sitting in the wrong position” in second place, with actions like stretching out your legs or not moving over to allow others to sit. “Talking loudly or making noise” was third, followed by “strong scents from perfume or fabric softener.”

This year’s survey also included a section for foreigners on annoying train behavior for the first time. According to the survey, foreigners found making noise to be the most annoying factor, followed by “how luggage is transported or arranged.” The Japan Private Railway Association hopes to use the results to promote better train etiquette in the future.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/nguoi-nhat-ban-kho-chiu-dieu-gi-nhat-khi-di-tau-dien-185241225150737864.htm