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Japanese Manners on Escalators: Navigating Public Spaces with Courtesy


In Japan, the way people use escalators differs depending on the region. In the West Area, especially in Kansai, the usual practice is for people who want to stand still on the escalator to do so on the right side. Meanwhile, in the East Area (Kantou) and other regions, people usually stand on the left side. This difference in regional customs is interesting. Have you ever thought about why people in Kansai stand on the right and where this custom started? Let's take a look at the history and meaning of these escalator habits in Japan from the article covered in Nikkei.

The Origin of Standing on the Right Lane of Escalators in Kansai: A Fascinating History

The custom of standing on the right side of escalators in Osaka has a unique history. It started with the Hankyu Corporation making an announcement at Umeda Station, a major transit hub in Osaka. In 1967, when the station moved to its current location, a long escalator was installed. The announcement advised people to keep the left side clear for those in a hurry.

On this escalator, there was a frequent announcement that warned, "Running up and down the escalator is dangerous. Please keep the left side clear for those in a hurry." The purpose of this message was to cater to both passengers who preferred to stand still and those who wanted to walk. However, in 1998, this practice was stopped because of complaints from people with disabilities in their right hand, who found it difficult to stand on the left side.

Records on this topic from the Hankyu Corporation are limited, but it's common in Japan to stand on the right and hold the handrail, as most people are right-handed.

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Osaka EXPO 1970: The Standardization of 'Right-Side' Standing

The habit of standing on the right side of escalators in Osaka originated around the time of the Osaka EXPO. This global event happened three years after Hankyu Corporation started making announcements about escalator manners. With the EXPO expected to bring many international visitors, Osaka wanted to meet global standards in public transport and facility use.

A professor from local university who studied this history noted that during the EXPO, escalators were so crowded that people couldn't choose to stand on either the right or left side. Interestingly, there's no record of announcements specifically asking people to stand on the right at that time. This period also marked the start of good public behavior in Osaka. People began to queue on the right side, guided by ropes marking the line areas, at places like ATMs.



The Modern Approach to Escalator Use: Please Do Not Walk

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Nowadays, it's generally advised not to walk on escalators for safety reasons. The Japan Elevator Association highlights that escalators were designed for people to stand still. Walking on them can increase the risk of falls and the chance of clothing getting caught in the escalator, which is especially dangerous for elderly people. Many Japanese companies, like JR, encourage passengers to stand still on escalators, without specifying which side to use.

In 2010, Osaka's train companies started a "do not walk" campaign, particularly to help people with disabilities. The campaign recognizes that some people might feel uneasy or worried about others moving suddenly on escalators. Companies like Hankyu Corporation suggest that passengers hold onto the rail and stand within the marked yellow line, which gently discourages walking. While there might be exceptions for those in a rush, the trend is moving towards not walking on escalators, similar to the public rules against smoking.

The 20-Second Difference: Walking or Standing on Escalators

As society grows older and more accommodating of people with disabilities in public spaces, we might see changes in our daily routines, like how we use escalators. If more people start being more considerate of others, not worrying too much about small delays, our society will become a more inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.

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