MANNERS ON THE JAPANESE RAILWAYS

Evening Star, Issue 22460, 3 October 1936, Page 7

MANNERS ON THE JAPANESE RAILWAYS

The paternalistic, didactic spirit in which Government departments - and the police look after the manners and morals of the people of Japan has just found a new illustration in a code of instructions to travellers which has been issued by the Railway Department. Incidentally, some of the seven points of this “ code ” cast a light on certain Japanese travel habits which are apt to strike the foreigner as strange and, in some cases, mildly annoying. The seven commandments of the Railway Department are as follows: (1) It is objectionable for one parson to attempt to occupy a seat for two, especially when the train is crowded, by putting a package beside him until the train starts. _ (2) It is an especially bad practice to pretend to bo asleep when the guard tells you to make room for other passengers, (3) Parents will ha grateful if a child is given a seat. It is also commendable to assist other people. On the other hand, aged passengers should not force others to help them. (4) Dirty clothing makes it unpleasant for others in the car. (5) _ Women should refrain from changing their clothes in a train. (6) Passengers in groups who sing at night aro not welcome. (7) People should be quiet in a sleeping car. They should not go into other cars, especially the dining car, in a nightdress.