Graphics courtesy of Tokyo Metro
Part and parcel of riding transit is dealing with the habits of other riders. However, the definition of bad manners varies from person to person. Even in ever-polite Japan, people don’t automatically know what constitutes bad manners. That’s why on my recent trip to Japan I was pleased to see a particularly well-done campaign by the Tokyo Metro to promote better manners on the subway.
At first glance we see what looks like a man swimming in a shirt and tie, under the admonition “Please do it at the beach.” Upon closer examination, however, we see that it is actually a Japanese salaryman making a valiant but futile attempt to catch a subway, lodging himself between the train doors in the process, his briefcase careening away out of the frame. A simple, humourous and effective message.
