
In a society that prides itself on polite customer service, this ticket machine stands out for its hilariously impolite treatment of customers.
“The Customer is God” is a common phrase used in Japan to describe the incredibly high level of esteem given to patrons in the service industry. From graceful bows to the beautiful art of giving change, everything is regimented and respectful, and after you’ve been here a while, it’s easy to take it all for granted – that is, until a machine like this comes along to put you back in your place.
The ticket machine, located at Kita-Senju Station in Tokyo, is causing a stir on Twitter after it was filmed being blatantly rude to a customer. Twitter user @noraitasu, who filmed the incident, put his Suica touch-and-go commuter pass into the machine for a top-up and when it was returned to him, this is what happened.
北千住駅のこいつ、金を受け取っておきながら無礼すぎるんだけど… pic.twitter.com/yJUG12QORL
— ノライタ (@noraitasu) August 30, 2016
Instead of gently coming to rest in the slot upon its return, the train pass was spat out with force, landing on the ground at the commuter’s feet. This is one ticket seller who’s clearly had enough of serving customers!
Twitter users have been in stitches over the machine’s mini meltdown.
“This is too funny. I can’t stop laughing at this!”
“What bad service!”
“Throwing things at customers is a definite no-no.”
“It needs to go back to employee training!”
“It should be reprimanded for its horrible manners!”
While the extent of its punishment for terrible customer service remains unclear, the machine was given a time-out as soon as its bad behaviour was brought to the attention of its supervisors.
https://twitter.com/freedamlife/status/770816876561653761Let that be a lesson to all wayward electronics out there! In Japan, machines are also held up to the same scrutiny as their human counterparts in the customer service industry!
Source: Net Lab
Top Image: Twitter/@noraitasu

Many in Japan ask, “Why don’t our train ticket machines just ask us for our destination?”
Crow surprises Japanese commuters by attempting to buy train ticket from a machine【Video】
Secret Walls in the Subway: Japanese Customer Service at its Best
The Vending Train: World’s only vending machine made from a retired Japanese train【Video】
Japanese tanuki heads for the ticket gates at Shinjuku Station in Tokyo【Video】
Many foreign tourists not picking up, paying for their orders at 100-year-old Tokyo sweets shop
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Never been into a girl’s room before? Then this reference photo book is for you
Here’s what to expect if it’s your first time seeing kabuki at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
The 5 best Japanese bento to buy at Kyoto Station
What’s it like to eat Japan’s crazy “mud ramen?” We find out!【Taste test】
2013 Doraemon Film’s Japanese TV Airing Gets Censored
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Japanese train station returns lost item to customer with a heartwarming message
These Tokyo train ticket machines have a cool way of helping you if you bought the wrong ticket
Seats descend from ceiling on Japanese train to provide extra comfort for passengers【Video】
The horseshoe crab dance and other odd train station experiences in Japan 【Videos】
Vending machine makes commuters smile at Japanese train station
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Why do seats at some Japanese station platforms face away from the trains?
Kanagawa man arrested for pouring instant noodles into train ticket machine
Tokyo crow who tried to buy a train ticket gets illegally captured
The Japanese train station where staff bow to departing passengers
Japanese railway line closes, company keeps trains running for residents
Japanese trains now even more convenient as new service lets you pick up groceries at station
Is it a Lawson or a train station? We investigate the mysterious Sekiguchi Station
What to do if your phone battery dies when using a mobile transit pass on a Japanese train
Japanese train station stirs up nostalgia with beautiful rural setting and one-carriage train
Leave a Reply