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Shoes: Good and bad train behaviour in the wild

The Japan for Beginners Podcast

Release Date: 10/17/2019

Today’s post supplements episode four, which was on Shoes and shoe-related things.

Look at that well-mannered young woman above! I spotted her a few weeks ago. She checks all the boxes for appropriate behaviour because:

  • She's removed her shoes before placing her feet on the seat
  • She's not taking up more space than necessary
  • She's not an adult 

Meanwhile, THIS guy below violates several social norms: 

There's enough room for him to cross his legs, so for now the leg crossing isn't so much of an issue. However, removing your foot from your shoe in public? Not cool. I caught several side eye glances from passengers who came into the carriage. 

Yes, I know the foot is socked and the socks are hole-less. But the likelihood of stench is higher. 

Don't treat public spaces like they're your lounge, people!