JAPAN IN
ONE MINUTE 
~Japanese Line Etiquette: Order, Respect, and Consideration in Public Spaces~
Hey Issy, do all Japanese people learn how to line up in school?
Hmm… why do you ask?
I don’t really remember, because lining up has just been natural for me ever since elementary school…
Because no matter where you go, Japanese people are always lining up and waiting their turn, right?
And they can even form a line without anyone giving instructions!
When waiting for a bus or train, Japanese people always form a proper line anywhere.
In Sweden, people basically wait in line too, but in Tokyo, even with so many more people, everyone still follows the order.
One unique thing about Japan is how naturally people form lines everywhere without anyone telling them to.
You’ll see it at convenience store registers, photo spots at tourist attractions, public restrooms.
On train platforms, people wait precisely where the doors will open.
And before the doors open, they naturally split to the left and right, creating a clear path for passengers to get off first.
The first time I saw this, I was really impressed!
Even if a line gets a little crooked, someone will quietly straighten it without saying anything.
And if it’s more efficient, everyone will adjust together without needing a leader or instructions.
So it’s like… teamwork without talking and signs?
Exactly! And even in the rain, people hold umbrellas in a way that keeps space,
so they don’t splash or bump into others. It’s all about being considerate.
That’s amazing. It’s not just about waiting your turn.
It’s about making the experience comfortable for everyone around you.
This sense of order is deeply ingrained in daily life here.
Whether it’s a busy station or a small photo spot,
Japanese people value keeping things smooth, fair, and pleasant for everyone.
But how do so many Japanese people learn that skill?
Hmm… For Japanese people, it’s so normal that we don’t even think about it, so I can’t give a clear reason.
But maybe it’s because even in kindergarten and first grade,
we’re taught in everyday life that lining up and waiting your turn is just a normal thing.
So we naturally grow up being able to form lines and wait anywhere.
I really love this part of Japanese culture,
where people are considerate so that no one feels uncomfortable!
Summary
In Japan, people naturally form orderly lines and wait their turn everywhere from train platforms to tourist spots without needing instructions. This deeply ingrained cultural habit, taught from an early age, reflects a strong sense of consideration and teamwork in daily life.
