Why typical Singaporean MRT passengers will not be welcome in Japan

Singaporeans are no strangers to being smartphone zombies especially since it serves as a distraction during the dreary peak hour commute.

However, as the old adage goes, one man's pleasure is another man's pain; in Japan, using your phones on a crowded train is seen as impolite.

A survey was conducted by Japanese travel provider, Air Trip, on what Japanese think is impolite behaviour on public transportation. Based on the results published last Thursday (Aug 22), Singaporeans are easily guilty of many of the 15 behaviours that were identified from over 930 responses.

In other words, we will definitely not be getting Singa's approval when taking the trains in Japan.

Besides using of mobile phones, other behaviours deemed impolite by the Japanese include reading on the train (though some may find it sexy), talking in a loud voice, taking up too much space with your bag(s), and shoving people to board or alight the train.

But many Singaporeans aren't like that, you might say.

Well, let's take a look at five behaviours from the survey results that you'll commonly see on our local trains.

1. RUSHING FOR THE TRAIN

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It's not uncommon to see someone running for the train and squeezing through the closing doors in the nick of time as if they're the protagonist in an action flick.

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As the scene unfolds, time seems to slow down as other commuters look on with bated breath because they're hoping that they won't be witnesses to a horrible accident.

In Japan, it's considered rude to rush for the train because it's widely known that their train schedules are always on time so if you're late, you're expected to wait for the next one.

Singapore's train schedules may not have the same reputation but considering the numerous close shaves we have witnessed and experienced, perhaps this is something we can work on.

2. APPLYING MAKEUP ON THE TRAIN

Here's to all the busy working women who are 'slaying' it in the office and 'slaying' it at home, but just not 'slaying' when it comes to self-care.

The process of putting on makeup is long and tedious and even the best of us still take a good 15 minutes to look like a work of art.

Well, that's what I'm assuming since I don't use makeup.

But when you have 40 minutes to kill on the train, it's not unheard of for women to be more efficient by using their commute to look camera-ready.

The jury is still out for this one (though the Japanese will disagree), but just be careful not to poke an eye out while you're at it.

3. LOUD MUSIC ON YOUR EARPHONES/HEADPHONES

Silence is such a precious commodity in our lives that people even pay for silence.

You know, the ones who go for yoga classes, meditation classes and even digital detox retreats.

So the next time you decide to crank your volume up to 11, spare a teeny tiny thought for the tired and stressed out commuters who are trying to squeeze in a 20-minute power nap because personal wellness is key.

4. TALKING ON THE PHONE 

This is a little bit iffy because Sora News wrote that the only acceptable conversation on Japan's trains is a one-liner telling the other party that it's not convenient to chat at the moment.

Personally, I've never been annoyed by anyone's phone calls except for the occasional oddball who projects their voice as if making a speech about their solution to world hunger.

I usually expect them to end their conversations with "Welcome to my TED Talk", but I'm always disappointed.

5. TAKING UP MORE SPACE THAN YOU NEED

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Apparently in Japan, train seats aren't designed to have extra room so excessive slouching, stretching and spreading are discouraged as it eats into the space of your fellow commuter.

Singaporeans are usually quite good at keeping within their space while seated but 'manspreading' still ticks me off — you know, that sitting posture where someone drops themselves in an empty seat and conveniently spreads their legs wide open?

Taking up more seating space than required was also a top grouse of Japanese commuters, with 72.8 per cent of respondents considering it impolite.

ALSO READ: Hong Kong's public transport video on being considerate is all of us in Singapore

We're not saying that Singaporeans exhibit all of these traits but you can't deny that we can definitely be more considerate commuters regardless of whether we're in Japan.

After all, a courteous rider makes for a happy ride.

bryanlim@asiaone.com