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"I just got on Line 2. I'll be there soon."

In Korea, talking on the phone while riding the subway is not particularly considered rude. Sometimes, when you're running late for an appointment, you need to call to convey that you're on your way... Not that I do this often, though.

The story is a bit different for those traveling to Japan for summer vacation. Japan is quite strict about phone calls on the subway. No matter how much of a tourist you are, the moment you answer with "Hello, where are you?" you might feel all eyes on you. It's said that the most common mistake foreign tourists make in Japan is making phone calls on the subway.

Thumbnail of Japanese broadcast news about phone calls on the subway. (Source=ANN)

Some might wonder, "Is there really a reason to react so sensitively when it's not legally prohibited?" On the other hand, some might sympathize, thinking about the loud ringing bells on the subway. In fact, earlier this year, the issue of phone calls on trains was even brought up in the Japanese parliament. Today, I will share with you the cultural difference that feels bigger than expected?the story of Japan's 'train phone call' culture.

Japanese railway companies like JR East and JR West clearly state on their websites under train usage manners that "mobile phones should be set to silent mode, and phone calls should be refrained from." If you search on Google, related keywords such as 'Japan train phone calls,' 'foreign reactions to Japan train phone calls,' 'why do foreigners always talk on the train,' and 'reasons for phone calls on trains' appear frequently.

In Japan, phone calls on the subway are considered rude. When answering a call, people usually respond briefly in a low voice, saying "I'm on the subway now, I'll call you back later," and then hang up. If it's a work-related call that requires a reply, some even get off the train to take the call. This is quite a different scene compared to Korea.

Of course, this doesn't mean you have to stay completely silent without saying a word on your way. If the volume isn't too loud, talking is generally tolerated. For foreign tourists, including those from Korea, this culture is quite fascinating. This year, TV Asahi even interviewed foreigners about their reactions to the subway phone call ban and reported on it.

According to a 2023 public opinion survey conducted by the Japan Private Railway Association, the most annoying behavior when using smartphones on the subway was ranked as follows: 1st, using the phone while walking; 2nd, using it inside crowded trains; 3rd, continuing to use it without getting off; and 4th, the sound of phone calls or ringtones. This alone shows how sensitive people are about phone usage.

Photo by Irastora.

Actually, in Japan, there has been growing public opinion that things should change. Earlier this year, the Japanese parliament discussed whether phone calls on the subway should be allowed. Kenta Fujimaki, a member of the Japan Innovation Party, questioned Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Tetsuo Saito, asking, "Why is it acceptable to talk loudly on the subway but considered bad manners to talk on a mobile phone?" This is similar to questioning the Minister of Land, Infrastructure, and Transport in Korea.

Minister Saito's response was firm. He said, "I believe manners are appropriate, but I will keep in mind that there are differing opinions." This essentially reaffirmed the stance that phone calls should be refrained from. However, Fujimaki insisted that low-volume phone calls should be accepted.

Earlier this year, a criminal incident related to phone calls on trains also occurred. A passenger was arrested by the police due to a delay caused by a phone call dispute on the Shinkansen high-speed train. The incident began when a passenger argued loudly on the phone for over 20 minutes near the connection between train cars. Another passenger complained about the noise. The person involved then suddenly switched to another Shinkansen train, causing a delay. This was reported under the headline "Incident caused by train phone call."

So why is it so strict? It seems to stem from longstanding rules by Japanese railway companies. Tokyo Metro and others have long posted notices on their websites asking passengers to refrain from phone calls in crowded places. In the past, there was even a rule that people near priority seats had to turn off their mobile phones. This was based on opinions from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications that electromagnetic waves from smartphones and other devices could affect medical devices implanted in elderly or disabled passengers. Since 2015, this rule has been relaxed to only require turning off phones near priority seats when the train is crowded, showing gradual change.

Anyway, recently, voices mainly from people in their 20s have emerged saying "some degree of phone use should be tolerated." TV Asahi's report included opinions from Japanese citizens like "Short calls should be okay," and "I think calls lasting a few tens of seconds are acceptable." With the increase in tourists visiting Japan, it remains to be seen whether this is an overly sensitive custom or a culture that could gain new attention.