A video showing disruptive behaviour on Japanese public transport has sparked discussion about tourist etiquette and respect for shared public spaces.

The footage shows young men appearing to climb onto seats, place their shoes on them and kick the backs of seats while travelling on public transport in Japan.

The behaviour has prompted wider discussion about cultural differences, tourism etiquette and how visitors should behave when using public transport.

Japan’s official tourism guidance places a strong emphasis on consideration for other passengers. The Japan National Tourism Organization advises travellers to keep conversations quiet on public transport, avoid disturbing others and follow local practices. It also recommends giving priority seats to people who need them and taking care not to inconvenience fellow passengers.

Official guidance also stresses that visitors should learn about local customs and be mindful of their surroundings. The Japan Tourism Agency similarly encourages foreign visitors to respect local communities, other travellers and public spaces as part of responsible tourism.

The footage does not establish the identities or nationalities of the people shown, and the behaviour depicted should not be treated as representative of foreign visitors generally. The broader issue is the expectation that anyone using public transport in Japan should respect the shared environment and the people around them.

As Japan continues to attract international visitors, questions around tourist etiquette and the impact of visitor behaviour on local communities are likely to remain part of the public conversation.

Source: X; Japan National Tourism Organization; Japan Tourism Agency.