
In Japan, it is still considered “rude” to do things like talk on the phone or apply makeup on the train. Although the latter is becoming far more common as people come to realise that a girl touching up her war-paint in public is hardly the most scandalous act one can engage in, there are still many, mostly of the older generation, who believe that it should not be done in shared spaces and to be so openly “vain” is simply shameful.
We wonder, then, what the average older Japanese citizen would think if they saw a commuter like the young lady in the following video, who has thrown caution to the wind and slaps on a cleansing face mask during her travels.
Shot on the Beijing subway and shared by the same YouTuber who brought us this worrying video last week (we’re starting to think they’re making a career out of collecting these weird videos, but keep up the fine work if you’re reading!), “Face pack on Beijing Subway” shows how different the thinking in Japan and China really is.
Although many women in Japan couldn’t care less if some older passenger gives them a few dirty looks while they’re applying some lipstick or fixing their mascara, we very much doubt any of them would use their commuting time to cleanse their skin with a full face mask like this.
We’re sure many of the older generation would be breaking into rage sweats after seeing this video, but we on the other hand can’t help thinking that this is one young lady who very much knows the meaning of the term “time management” and is doing an excellent job of grabbing a few precious seconds to help stay beautiful. Let ’em look, girl; you’ll be laughing when the rest of us are old and wrinkly and you still look 21.

Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Heinz Japan finds its perfect pitchman: Pokémon’s Pikachu!
Yu-Gi-Oh rights holders address use of anime clip in White House post on attack on Iran
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Heinz Japan finds its perfect pitchman: Pokémon’s Pikachu!
Yu-Gi-Oh rights holders address use of anime clip in White House post on attack on Iran
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
New bento bread makes us rethink sandwiches…and Japanese bentos
Old postcards reveal famous Japanese tourist spots as they appeared 100 years ago
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Mister Donut unveils new sakura doughnuts for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Naruto jerseys coming to Major Leage Baseball theme nights, Hello Kitty to take over a field
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
New bento bread makes us rethink sandwiches…and Japanese bentos
Old postcards reveal famous Japanese tourist spots as they appeared 100 years ago
How to make curry in a rice cooker with zero prep work and no water[Recipe]
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Starbucks Japan launches new Chillax Soda drinks for summer
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
We visit the oldest remaining Komeda Coffee cafe in Japan for a retro blast from the past
Uniqlo Pokémon T-shirts coming to Japan this summer, in 24 crazy designs
Here’s why Japanese supermarkets play “cheap” background music all day, according to Twitter
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Roppongi Hills celebrates the return of artist Takashi Murakami with cute pop-up cafe