Even with three station attendants shoving passengers in to pack them like sardines, this guy remains cool as a cucumber.
The human psyche can be a remarkably resilient thing. Over time, the mind can learn to adapt to even extreme conditions, making situations that once seemed unreasonably unbearable merely an unpleasant yet endurable part of daily life.
Consider, for example, commuter trains in Japan. If you’re just visiting the city, and it’s your first time riding the rails in Tokyo at rush hour, you’ll probably be shocked at how much humanity can be crammed into a single carriage.
But if you’re a local, and you take that train to work every day? Eventually, it doesn’t even warrant a change in facial expression, as demonstrated by the gentleman in this video from Japan-based photographer Marco Patella.
Shot at Shakuji Koen Station, located in the Tokyo suburb of Nerima and a major rail hub for people who work and study in the city center, the video opens with the stoic salaryman casually checking his smartphone, despite the fact that the train he’s boarded is so crowded that it seems to have the woman attempting to get on next to him on the verge of tears. The train is actually so packed that the doors can’t shut, which causes one station worker, then a second, and finally third to come over and try to manually compact the mass of commuters inside the train.
The salaryman calmly puts away his phone, then raises an arm to take up less space at the shoulders and balance himself against the interior wall of the carriage. Even as the three attendants begin pushing him deeper into the pile of bodies, the man’s countenance remains as calm, even mildly bored, as it was while he was fiddling with his phone.
But again, this is hardly an uncommon occurrence at Shakuji Koen Station. Here’s another video taken there, once again from Patella.
Thankfully, Patella also gets to spend some time in locations that are relaxing even for people who haven’t been conditioned by Tokyo commuter trains, such as the historic and cultural towns of Kamakura and Nikko.
And even if you should happen to find yourself going through crowded Shakuji Koen in the morning, you can at least take solace in the fact that things actually could be worse.
Related: Marco Patella Instagram
Source: Stomp, Instagram/marco_patella_photography

Think you had a rough commute? Japanese salaryman gets jumped by wild boar on way to work【Vid】
These are the 11 most crowded trains in Japan…and surprise! They’re all in the Tokyo area
And now, the story of a smelly fart on a crowded Japanese commuter train
One passenger pusher isn’t enough for Tokyo area train that needs three-man team【Video】
Japanese salaryman creates jaw-dropping model of Shinjuku from paper
Foreign tourists in Japan eat far more rice than previously thought, according to new data
Kyoto receives more foreign tourists than ever before, but fewer visitors say they’ll return
JR releases prediction of peak Shinkansen crowdedness for Japan’s Obon travel season
Starbucks Japan unveils exclusive new Frappuccinos limited to three regional areas
Life-size Legendary Pokémon Mega Rayquaza digitally greeting travelers at Tokyo train station [Vid]
Maximum entry fee for sento public baths in Tokyo increases slightly for adults next month
Starbucks Japan releases new “Afterword” collection that gives coffee waste a second life
Japan has a maid hotel you can stay in, and it’s now taking reservation applications
McDonald’s Japan goes viral for Samurai Mac burger hack
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan releases a miniature display rack so you can create your very own store at home
Giant Evangelion Spear of Longinus to be installed at Japanese train station with Eva art trains
Face lettuce appears in Japan, with the face of Death Note’s Light Yagami, but why?
Kodama Shinkansen trains on popular Japan route get a whole new look this winter
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Commuter chaos at Shibuya Station after glass window breaks on door of crowded Japanese train
Train continues to stop at rural station for lone schoolgirl until she graduates in March
Sleep in a Japanese rail carriage at new train hostel in Tokyo【Pics】
How to escape the Tokyo crowds with a trip to a hidden gem on a special Japanese train
Should strong-smelling foods be banned from bullet trains? Japanese citizens debate
Hypnotic moving map of Tokyo’s crazy rush hour trains almost makes them relaxing【Video】
Tokyo Station’s new guidance robot is extremely terrifying, pretty helpful【Video】
Our otaku reporter Seiji rides the slowest train to Chichibu–and his coworker flips out
Crazy crooner crashes Tokyo typhoon report with his passionate ballad and guitar-playing 【Video】
Anime star Captain Tsubasa takes over Tokyo train station, turns ticket gate into soccer field
Mini stampedes in Tokyo’s Ueno Park as it becomes a nest for rare Pokémon GO character【Video】