The Lonely Sardine

I’m sure you’ve all seen the images of Japan’s crowded subways during rush hour. People are pressed up against each other by professional ‘sardine packers’ until the train can hold no more. I too have had the pleasure of experiencing this on a number of occasions.

Thankfully, it’s not always like that. Quite often only a few people are left standing on the train or there are even some empty seats.

I rode the train to Ueno last night to celebrate the six month anniversary between my girlfriend and I (well, I didn’t ride the train to mark the occasion. I rode the train to get to the restaurant in Ueno, where we celebrated). I sat down next to a harmless looking older lady and made sure that there was more than ample room for a person to take the remaining seat on the carriage, next to me.

People continued to board the train, but no one would sit down. This went on for four more stops. Was there something in particular that was wrong with me? I’m sure even the guy in the other carriage, with the urine stained pants and a claw for a hand had someone next to him.

The fact is, most often than not, the seat next to me is the last one to be filled. This doesn’t really bother me. It’s nice to have a little extra legroom, and I can almost understand no one wanting to sit next to a 20-something foreigner (I’ve met my fair share of morons in Japan who fall into that category). However, it is pleasing to note that when someone does eventually sit next to me, it’s often a person from a younger generation whom seems to be more used to our kind (blonde hair, high nose). I can picture a future where a line of sardines, of all different colours are sitting in a row, riding the train and avoiding eye contact with all the other commuters in blissful harmony.