When you’re sitting on a train in Japan, you might notice something unusual. If someone sits next to you and the person already seated moves to another spot, it’s easy to misinterpret it as a sign of dislike or even discrimination.
However, in Japan, this behavior is simply about personal space. Japanese passengers value having a comfortable amount of space around them. If there’s another empty seat nearby, many people will move there to enjoy a more relaxed seating experience.
Another cultural habit is the preference for window or edge seats. Many Japanese passengers like to sit at the ends of benches or seats, even if someone sits next to them, so they can have a sense of comfort and privacy. It’s not about you personally — it’s about the general desire to maintain personal space.
So, if a Japanese person moves when you sit down, please don’t take it personally. It’s simply a cultural way of enjoying their travel quietly and comfortably. Understanding this small but important aspect of Japanese etiquette can make your train journeys much more pleasant and culturally immersive.
▶The Japanese Art of Lining Up: Respect, Patience, and Personal Space
