Traumatic event becomes a heartwarming one, thanks to the work of both driver and passengers.
public transport
This train station dungeon wants you to turn back at this point, but what happens if you go ahead?
We find out if people in Tokyo are ripping off their masks and throwing them to the wind in light of the new changes.
When you hear this term being used on trains, it’s often a euphemism for something more serious.
The group will continue to test their zip-line propelled capsule cars in Odawara City in Kanagawa.
With any luck, we might be able to see this awesome autonomous public transport quite soon.
This past year the Tokyo Metro has been brought to life in many different ways, ranging from a spaghetti-alien map to, well, a 3-D spaghetti-alien map. But it’s the latest re-imagining of the Tokyo Metro in the highly versatile SVG format that’s currently causing a lot of commotion online.
The first time I went to Tokyo alone, I got lost within the first five minutes of arriving at Shinjuku Station, unable to comprehend why there were so many transfers to different lines going in different directions. Without mobile data on my phone, I was basically one of the ‘internet-less lost gaijin’ crippled by the lack of Google Maps who ended up befriending the station master at every transfer station because, without them, I would probably have had to spend the night hanging out with the buskers on the streets.
The maps in Japanese subway stations are not only confusing, they also look like multi-colored spaghetti or weird roller coasters, and I can clearly recall thinking how nice it would be to have a better-looking representation of the city’s train lines. Thankfully, it looks like South Korean design company Zero per Zero has fulfilled my wish with their subway map designs, which are becoming a hot topic on Reddit.
Taking the bus or train is a mundane routine for many of us. Sometimes, when there are delays in the arrival or an unexpected breakdown of such public transportation, we get annoyed or even angry at the drivers or transportation companies. But how many of us have ever thanked them for fulfilling their responsibilities of arriving on time, or for driving safely?
Over in Taichung, Taiwan, a bus driver went the extra mile to help a blind commuter onboard and off the bus, winning some unexpected praise and commendation from passengers and netizens on Taiwanese forums.
Japan is of course not the only country that experiences crowded trains and subways during rush hour. Over the last 10 years Singapore’s population has increased by 30 percent, putting pressure on its public transportation system, especially during the morning rush. Though Japan is trying to alleviate overcrowding with wider trains, Singapore is taking a different approach to the problem; free fares until 7:45 a.m. for anyone getting off at one of 16 stations in the downtown core.
Bringing commuters to Tokyo from neighboring Saitama Prefecture, the Saikyo Line, operated by the East Japan Railway Company (JR East), is one of the busiest in the metropolitan area. During morning rush hour its trains are packed to 200 percent capacity. On June 30, however, E233 Series trains were introduced to the line, and officials are hoping the new carriages, which are a whole 15cm wider, will reduce crowding by ten percent.
That’s right. Now instead of having to endure bone-crushing, suffocating, sucking-the-will-to-live commutes in trains packed to 200 percent capacity, riders will be able to breathe, and perhaps move just a little, while enjoying the relative luxury of a train crammed to just 190 percent capacity!


















Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Can instant TKG from Don Quijote really recreate Japan’s beloved raw-egg-on-rice dish?
Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Shinkansen trial of moderately air conditioned cars draws mixed reactions from travellers
Studio Ghibli releases huge new wooden clip collection featuring 25 anime movies
Tokyo’s Giga Mart lets visitors “steal” from a convenience store… if cameras don’t catch you
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro coin purses…but who’s the blue character?
Hiker needs to be rescued from Mt. Fuji twice in five days for very dumb reason
Two Americans decide to hike Mt. Fuji before trails open, both need rescues on back-to-back days
Japan’s new Calpis pudding: The right call for summer, or tampering with purin perfection?
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Tokyo’s Giga Mart lets visitors “steal” from a convenience store… if cameras don’t catch you
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro coin purses…but who’s the blue character?
Hiker needs to be rescued from Mt. Fuji twice in five days for very dumb reason
Two Americans decide to hike Mt. Fuji before trails open, both need rescues on back-to-back days
Japan’s new Calpis pudding: The right call for summer, or tampering with purin perfection?
“They’ve got be kidding me.” – Mayor in Japan fed up with off-season Mt. Fuji hikers needing rescue
Studio Ghibli brings anime characters to the table with new Totoro placemat that’s like a movie cell
Japan now has a takoyaki sandwich…created by a Michelin-listed restaurant
Japan has otaku/fan event insurance to cover oshikatsu expenses when events are cancelled
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Hiker needs to be rescued from Mt. Fuji two times in two days, but system is working as intended
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Onidon opens in Tokyo with unique fusion tempura rice balls you won’t find anywhere else