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

'Coughing and sneezing without paying attention to others' 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 the action the most annoying for the first time since it was included in the options in 2019.

Passengers on a train in Tokyo, Japan

Coughing and sneezing were the sixth most-chosen irritants in 2019 and have climbed the ranks over the years. The 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 a list of 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 catching an infectious disease when they see others coughing or sneezing on the train without wearing masks, a representative of the railway association said.

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

This year’s survey also included a section for foreigners on unpleasant train behavior for the first time. According to the survey, foreigners found making noise to be the most annoying factor, followed by “the way 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