A little more on trains

Apparently Japan has a sexual harassment problem.  I have not seen this, and find it very hard to believe, but there are certain things I have come across that support this.  One of these is the Women Only subway and train cars.  Regardless of the reason for their existence, I really love these cars.

Almost all public transportation in Japan is eerily quiet.  Aside from children, teens, and the rare group of adults, everyone rides in silence.  They might be on their phones, listening to music with headphones, reading, or, amazingly, sleeping.  The only real noise is the sound of the transportation you are riding.  You can travel in blissful silence.  I find it a good time to write and reflect.  Also to catch up on Facebook or otherwise waste the precious moments of my life.

But even if everyone is quite and keeps to themselves, crowded subway cars can be a little uncomfortable.  In some cases it is literally like a can of sardines.  For a culture not too big on infringing or imposing on others, this is one glaring exception.  Everyone bears it gracefully, though.  They make room for new passengers, even when you think there is no possible way to fit one more person.  They tolerate the closeness of complete strangers, usually keep their eyes closed (especially if they are seated since it means staring at a strangers crotch), and wait for their stop.

For me, though, there is another option.  The Women Only cars are almost never that crowded.  Even during rush hour I am able to keep a tiny bit of my American personal space bubble.  It makes being a woman feel a little extra special.  Until I look around at all the fashionable Japanese women who look amazing.  Then I feel completely underdressed to be in the Women Only car.