#Japan #Tokyo #Japan Railway #Train Etiquette #Disruption Rankings

Promoting Etiquette in Japan's Trains: The 2024 Campaign

In a bid to enhance passengers' etiquette while using train services, the Japan Private Railway Association (JPR) is set to launch a comprehensive awareness campaign starting from October 1 to November 30, 2025. This initiative will introduce educational posters and digital signage across stations and trains operated by its 72 member companies.

Historical Context

The importance of good manners in trains and stations gained attention in Japan around 1997 when mobile phones started becoming prevalent. This shift led to increased awareness regarding public behavior, prompting the JPR to commence its etiquette awareness program. Over the years, the content and design of the materials have evolved to reflect societal changes, maintaining relevance and effectiveness in delivering the message of courtesy in public spaces.

The 2024 Disruption Rankings

The 2025 campaign will be significantly informed by the findings from the 2024 Disruption Rankings, which highlight common irritating behaviors in train settings. With the motivating theme, “Disruption Goes Unnoticed When You’re Causing It,” this year’s materials aim to provoke reflection amongst rail users, encouraging self-awareness regarding their actions in shared spaces.

To complement the posters’ distribution, the association will simultaneously conduct a “Train and Station Etiquette Survey” aimed at determining current attitudes and behaviors among passengers. This dual approach is designed to create synergy between awareness and feedback, fostering a deeper understanding and concern for etiquette among users.

Details of the Campaign

• - Campaign Duration: October 1 - November 30, 2025
• - Deployment Locations: The campaign will feature around 2,000 posters at stations and 24,000 digital signs inside the trains operated by the member companies of JPR, covering various areas including Tohoku, Kanto, Kansai, and Kyushu.

Design Elements

The new designs, which will be displayed in both B1 and B2 sizes for posters and B3 for hanging notices, will vividly depict six common disruptive behaviors identified through the previous year’s survey. Animated illustrations will be used alongside succinct explanatory text reminiscent of movie subtitles. This innovative combination targets intuitive understanding, drawing attention to the often-overlooked impact of personal actions on others in the confined space of public transport.

At the center of these visuals, the pivotal phrase “Disruption Goes Unnoticed When You’re Causing It” serves as a deliberate call to action. It prompts individuals to reassess their own conduct and the potential discomfort it may cause to fellow passengers. To further encourage a spirit of compassion, the campaign will also include a reminder at the bottom urging passengers to rethink their considerations for those around them.

Ranking Insights

The behavioral data that will inform the campaign is drawn from a survey conducted from October 1 to November 30, 2024, designed to gauge and analyze common etiquette breaches perceived by the traveling public. For further insights and updates, individuals can follow the campaign through the official Japan Private Railway Association activity page.

Through this targeted effort, the JPR hopes to significantly raise awareness and appreciation for shared courtesy, enriching the travel experience for all passengers involved. As public transport continues to be a vital conduit for millions in Japan, understanding and correcting disruptive behavior can lead to a more harmonious travel environment.