Notes for Gaijin (外人) #1

[bellinghman]

In Britain, we drive on the left, and overtake on the right. On escalators, we stand on the right, and overtake on the left.
In Japan, they drive on the left, and overtake on the right. On escalators, they stand on the left, and overtake on the right.

Comments

[vicarage.livejournal.com]

With escalators, I guess we stand on the right as its more natural to hold on to the rail with our dominant right hand. I wonder why the Japanese are different?

[silly-swordsman.livejournal.com]

Obviously, it's to make it harder for a (right-handed) samurai to dishonourably attack an enemy from behind/beside, thus ensuring that you can stand in peace.

Since there has historically been very few samirai in Britain, that was never a consideration when the custom of escalator-standing developed.

[feorag.livejournal.com]

Except in Osaka, where they follow the British model for escalator use. Also, they play music in stations when the train is about to arrive, not just before it leaves. I think I am beginning to understand the Osaka jokes.