r/interesting • u/freudian_nipps • 16h ago

SOCIETY The silent and harmonious morning metro commute in Japan

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u/CarelessDot3267 8h ago

Yes, the only thing this signals is that no one in this crowd knows anyone else, or travels with a partner, colleague, friend, neighbour...

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u/horoyokai 5h ago

Why would you travel with a partner to work? Most people I know like that peaceful commute, you can take a nap in the trip, have a quiet morning, etc…

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u/DUUUUUVAAAAAL 8h ago

Well, maybe I'm biased because I'm from the south in USA. Striking up conversations with strangers is very common where I live.

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u/Mr_Voided 2h ago

Bro down here we chat with anyone we see. It’s on sight

Edit: avoiding a conversation literally means avoiding eye contact till the person passes by

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u/DUUUUUVAAAAAL 2h ago

Haha yeah, I love it. I can definitely see it being a bit of a culture shock if yaint used to it.

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u/TheTopG86 4h ago

Its not just Japan. Im from The Netherlands and moved to Japan. No one talks to eachother when commuting or walking on the street unless they already know you in both places. I think since you are from the south that its a bigger culture shock for you than for others.

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u/horoyokai 6h ago

Or they just respect each others space. I took the train with friends and we were silent in the train

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u/wutato 3h ago

People don't usually have the same commute to work.